The Laurentian Voyageurs Lacrosse squad was defeated in a see-saw affair by the Laurier Golden Hawks in sudden death overtime by a score of 10-9.
Laurentian started its season Saturday Night at LU Stadium Fields, attempting to gain their first victory of the season. Voyageurs scoring was highlighted by Mike Holder's three goals.
Derek Gordon and Blaine Syme collected two tallies, while Kyle Martin and Casey Swann chipped in with singles. Swann also collected three assists.
In the first quarter, Laurier jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, after some early jitters by the home squad. Holder (Orillia, Ont.) jumpstarted the offense with his first career CUFLA goal, midway through the first quarter.
Laurier and Laurentian then exchanged goals as time wound down in the first, ending the quarter trailing 3-2.
The second quarter began with Laurentian struggling to avoid penalties. These proved to be costly as Laurier increased their advantage to 5-2, with two goals, both on man-advantage situations.
Laurentian woke up and began taking control of the game, returning into contention with Gordon's (Barrie, Ont.) first power play marker, followed by Holders third marker of the game.
The comeback was completed when Gordon and Holder connected on a pretty combination to level the score after a quick transition play, levelling the game at five at the half.
Laurentian carried their momentum into the second half when Kyle Martin (Peterborough, Ont.) tallied on a scorcher to give Laurentian their first lead of the game. Laurier battled back and took the lead, 7-6, but that only lasted until Blaine Syme (Shelburne, Ont.) scored on a spin move late in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was much like the rest of the game, as first, Laurier set the pace, taking the lead 8-7, before Laurentian's Swann (Peterborough, Ont.) and Syme turned the advantage in the Voyageurs favour.
A late Laurier tally sent the game into overtime. The first set of overtime periods was hard fought, but no squad could find a way of breaking the stalemate. Goaltending proved to be spectacular in the overtime period, as both, Laurentian's David Rock (Brampton, Ont.) and Laurier's Tyler Handly made some key saves.
Laurentian's most dangerous goal scoring opportunity came off the stick of Derek Gordon, midway through the first overtime period. In the end, turnovers proved to be costly as Laurie's Chris Smith scored the game winner for the visitors.
"I'm pleased with the way the boys performed," said Voyageurs head coach George Sheppard, in a release. "We just need to execute on the plays we practice."
