by Odille Parker

The Hope College men's lacrosse team continued its winning streak in their final non-league match this season, winning 13-6 over Trine University on Wednesday evening.

The win improves the Hope to a 6-0 record. The Thunder became the fifth opponent to score seven or fewer goals against Hope this season.

It was a strong defensive effort that stood out for head coach Mike Schanhals.

"I really thought our defense was tough, especially our defensive midfielders who did a nice job playing one-on-one defense," Schanhals said. "I was really pleased with the lunchbucket work ethic and hard-nose defense that they played." 

Hope's defense ranks as the No. 1 scoring defense in the MIAA with 7.73 goals against the average. 

Goalie John Shea of Commerce Township, Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central HS), pictured, made 12 saves for the Flying Dutchmen. 

"I'm real proud of Johnny for stepping up like that... real credit to him for how well he played in his first opportunity to start this year," Schanhals said. 

Senior Luke Elder of Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS) scored four times to lead the Flying Dutchmen. 

Trine was tenacious on groundballs, but Hope had a slight advantage with 49-45 for the day.

Junior Jack Radzville of Howell, Michigan (Howell HS) contributed three goals and two assists, while sophomore Davis VanSkiver of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Northern) added two goals for the night. 

Radzville clocked in the first goal of the game with six minutes 47 seconds left in the first half, and VanSkiver followed up with another goal just 27 seconds later. Trine answered with their own goal to end the quarter, and engaged in some back-and-forth scoring throughout the game, but the Flying Dutchmen maintained the lead.

"Trine made us earn it tonight, and I give them a lot of credit for their game plan and resilience. It wasn't our best day where everything was bouncing our way, but we really worked together and worked through it," Schanhals said. "It was a little bit more of a deliberately-paced game."

Hope made a decisive stand in the second half with four unanswered goals, bringing the score to 12-5. Trine scored one more time in an extra-man opportunity from a Hope holding and slashing penalty with 3 minutes 13 seconds left in the game.

Senior Will Cunnington of Phoenix, Arizona (Notre Dame Prep) scored.

Hope's next game is the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener on Tuesday, April 6 at home against Calvin University. Game time is 7 p.m.