Iowa State Lacrosse

Iowa State left Ames on a Friday at noon for their big three game weekend. Iowa State played in St. Cloud against Moorehead. By the end of the first quarter the Cyclones were loosing 6-0. At half time ISU returned 6 unanswered goals to tie the game. By the end of the game ISU was down 2 with 1 minute left. Then a goal scored by Nick Brancale put ISU only down one with 30 seconds left to tend the game. Sophomore goalie Tommy Johnson was able to clear the ball to Nick Brancale who shot and was saved followed by a Gilman to end the end the game. Despite the loss ISU looks back at this loss as a disappointment, and will hopefully use this experience to win there last games in Mankato and Minneapolis. The next morning the team played Mankato, with the team already beat up from the night before ISU ended up loosing 10-9 to Mankato State. ISU was down, but they knew they had to play Minnesota the next morning. After 10 goals being scored in the first quarter, the Cyclone defense and Goaltender TJ locked out there main shooter letting by only five more goals the rest of the game. The final score was 15-5 in favor of the golden gofers. Next week would begin the UMLL conference tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.

The Cyclones started their trip in Stevens Point Wisconsin, loosing to Stevens Point 7-17. The conditions were terrible and only half the team present for the two games in Stevens Point. Jeff Alexander played a great game holding their leading scorer to only a few points. Besides the loss there was an upside to the games in Stevens Point. On Sunday morning the Cyclones faced off against rival St. Olaf. Last year the Cyclones lost to St. Olaf in the playoffs and now they would have their revenge. Iowa State won, 10-6 with goals from Nick Swaggert, Nick Brancale, Paul Duffy, and more. Next weekend the Cyclones play there last conference games against Moorehead, Mankato, Minnesota Twin cities.

Last home weekend for the Cyclones. ISU faced off against South West Missouri State on Saturday. After loosing Joe Dilling from last weekends games, the Cyclones learned what it felt like to play without a leader. It was a gruesome first half, ISU was down 10-2, no one could find the net. Since this was a non-conference game ISU has nothing to loose. All they can do is look back at a disappointing loss and ask themselves how can they prepare themselves better for the game. On Sunday Iowa State played their rivals University of Iowa which was a very close game and led to arguments on and off the field. ISU played a great first half leading the Hawkeye's 5-2, with goals from Nick Swaggert, Paul Duffy, and Jacob Boesin. The final score was 11-4 and Iowa was the team with the sore faces. I think if ISU learned anything about this game, its how to control your temper especially on defense. But sad news came in at half time, starting defensemen John Pulka had told us he would be sitting out for the rest of the season due to a broken hand. Now its up to Kevin O'Connell, Kevin Cummerford, Matt Brown, and leader of the defense Zach Stumo to keep the defense strong the Cyclones once had. Iowa State faces of against St. Olaf and Stevens Point next weekend in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in two big conference games.

Even though the Cyclones had an overall good weekend, they are sad to hear the news that senior defenseman Joe Dilling will be sitting the rest of the season out to a torn MCL vs. St. Cloud. Joe was a great player, considering he's only been around the game for 3 years. We'll miss you buddy! They went 2-1 overall in the weekend with a loss to Minnesota Duluth and two wins over Marquette and St. Cloud. With a late game on Saturday the Cyclones lost 13-2 to Duluth, a great game lead by the defense: Zach Stumo, Joe Dilling, Kevin O'Connell, Jeff Alexander, John Pulka, and in goal David Garske. Although the score wasn't promising, the team looks back with positive remarks and more ideas on how to improve the offense. On early Sunday morning the ISU took on Marquette with a promising victory 9-6. Goals were scored by Nick Swaggert, Kyle Adringa, Joe Macdonald, and Nick Brancale. For the last game of the weekend ISU played St. Cloud and won 10-4. Overall it was a great weekend. Thanks to all of the UMLL teams for coming to Ames, it was a great weekend with perfect weather. Iowa State plays next weekend against South West Missouri State on Saturday at noon as well as Iowa on Sunday also at noon.

The Cyclones faced off against Bethel on Saturday night at 9 p.m. beating them 14-6. The team played great but still lacks the ability to keep the shots on net. But overall, great game; lots of new players scored such as: Freshman Jake Oakland, and transfer from Loyola of Chicago Mike Faber. Faber scored twice vs. Bethel and then one more time vs. Carleton on Sunday morning. Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ISU beat Carleton 12-3 with a fantastic performance by the defense, especially senior Joe Dilling. Overall, Captains Nick Swaggert, Joe MacDonald, and Nick Brancale were happy with how the team played. The Cyclones have a month of before they play there next game against Minnesota Duluth on April 2nd. But the team is still practicing at its normal times in the lied rec center.

After two disappointing losses to Kansas 6-3 and K-State 3-1, the Cyclones realized one thing. We cannot afford to lose games this season. During the cold morning we out shot the Kansas team by a mile. But the Kansas defense and goaltending was to strong for the team that morning. Then the team went out that night and celebrated Kevin O'Connells 21st birthday that night, which had a great affect on all the players the next morning vs. K-State. Even though the team lost there first home games for the season, they learned how to play better and came together more as a team. ISU faces Bethel and Carleton for next weekends games, hoping for two wins!

The cyclones left on a Friday night, on there way to play Madison, Wisconsin for their first game. Although the cyclones didn't take the whole team. They played well with the players they had. They lost to Madison 8-5 and St. Johns 8-6. Then on Sunday pulled out an easy win against North Dakota 17-0. The cyclones play Feb. 19th and 20th at home vs. Kansas State and Kansas University. Players need to help paint the field and string the nets, since we cannot play indoor anymore due to the school rejecting the offer to play in the Bergstrom indoor facility. Contact Dustin Brucker if you are able to help with the fields.

Practice continues at the Rec center for the Cyclones on Monday's from 10:30 p.m. to 12 and Wednesday night from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The St. Cloud Classic tournament goes as follows: Wisconsin vs. Iowa State Sat. 2:30 pm. Then depending on how the team does the first game we either play Mankato or St. Cloud St. Alumni. Contact Nick Swaggert and Zach Stumo to schedule arrangements. Reminder this year St. Cloud has a brand new indoor facility so it will be a full field lacrosse game. Also keep in mind we only have two weeks to sell hats, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, and hooded sweat shirts. If you need another order form contact the members on the exec.

As the fall season come to the end, we would like to say thanks to all the parents who provided the team with food and lodging, it was very much appreciated. Now that the fall season has come to an end. The cyclones await the arrival of an old time friend. Nick Swaggert who left this past summer to study in New Zealand. He is back and enjoying the scenery of Ames, Iowa. Nick Swaggert was Captain of the team last year and honorary winner of the Major Davey leadership award. Nick played mid-field and hopes to join back with the team after winter break. Practice will begin as soon as possible after winter break. Players try to stay in shape, because the fun is about to begin. All veteran players know that in a just a few weeks there will be a new winner of the 2005 Rookie shaft.

The Cyclones battled their way back to a .500 record by taking third place at the Northern Illinois Tournament. Iowa State started the weekend by avenging an early season loss to rival Iowa, and did a great job without a couple of there starters as well as Nick Brancale and his injury. Congratulations to Chris Wilt for scoring his first Iowa State goal during this game. ISU's second game of the day was a defeat to eventual champion University of Wisconsin. Sunday's game went much better with a solid victory over host Northern Illinois. During this game, the defense proved why they only play half the field by being too tired for a second attempt at Blue Steel. Paul Duffy led the team with 5 goals on the weekend. A special thanks to the Pulka's for hosting the team in Naperville. This tournament wrapped up the fall season. Look forward to a more competitive spring season.

The Cyclones traveled up to Minnesota State University - Mankato this weekend. It was bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below freezing both days. Iowa State started Saturday morning against St. Thomas University with a tough 5-4 loss. They rebounded in the afternoon and beat St. Cloud State 8-4 with Nick Brancale leading the charge with 5 goals. Sunday morning the Cyclones took the frost covered field against Minnesota State - Moorhead. It was a close game throughout with the Cyclones trailing 4-3 with time running out. Dustin Brucker scored a last minute goal to push the game into sudden death overtime. Sadly, the Cyclones suffered their second 5-4 loss of the weekend. Thanks to the Garskes for hosting the team up in Little Canada and thanks to all the fans who braved the cold weather. The Cyclones are traveling to Northern Illinois next weekend for the final outdoor tournament of the fall.

On Sunday morning at 10 a.m. of homecoming weekend, the Iowa State Lacrosse team took on the alumni from past years. Such players included, Tom DeCarllo, Mike Schmidt, Tom Rourke, Steve Bertling, Scott Bloedow, John Downing, Josh Frandsen, Kenneth Earl Bouma, Nick Clausen, Steve Miller, and the help of some rookies. The Cyclones were up 3-0 going into the second quarter when Josh Frandsen put in a behind the back goal over Tommy Johnson to make it 3-1 going into the half. Then Jake Oakland playing for the alumni slipped another to one by to make it 3-2 at the end of the half. In the third quarter, Paul Duffy scored another for the Cyclones to make it 5-2. With in seconds Josh Frandsen scored again taking Joe Dilling to the hole and shooting to make it 5-3. Begging the fourth quarter Steve Miller scored along with John Downing to make it a tie game. Coach Hoffer said next goal wins and with in minutes Advisor Tom DeCarllo scored a goal from X to win in it for the alumni. Homecoming weekend was fun for all players, we greatly appreciate all who attended the game.

The Cyclones traveled to Madison on Friday night. They took the field vs. Purdue at 12:40 pm on Saturday. After the half the score was tied at 4. Goals were scored my Nick Brancale, Paul Duffy, and Kyle Adringa. The end result was Purdue 9 Iowa State 5. Even though the cyclones lost we had many outstanding plays by the rookies. Later on that day Iowa State played Northern Il. The result ended Iowa State 9 NIU 1. All three goalies played the game, Congratulations to freshman Dave Garske, sophomore Peter Bangasser, and sophomore goalie Tommy Johnson. Early Sunday morning, the Cyclones faced off against University Wisconsin Stevens Point. Tom Johnson started in goal for the cyclones. At the end of the half the score was 3-1 in favor of Stevens Point. The Cyclones came back to win 5-4 with an amazing performance from defensemen Jeff Alexander. Goals were from Nick Brancale and two from Mike Silver to win the game. Iowa States next tournament is the 17th annual Northern Il. Fall classic.

Early Saturday morning 4:30 a.m. the Cyclones took off to Iowa City. The weather was perfect and the team was ready. The captains played the whole team and lost 8-7 with 45 seconds left. Rookies on the team should not fear. The rookies played well, they have nothing to fear we will have our revenge on Iowa. Congratulations to the rookies for there first college lacrosse game. Special congrats go to Paul Duffy and Jesse Nagan for scoring two of the Cyclones goals.