by Odille Parker

The Hope College men's lacrosse team continues to have bragging rights in the Hope-Calvin Rivalry, remaining undefeated against the Knights since 2013 when lacrosse became a varsity sport.

The Flying Dutchmen added another win to that record Tuesday night in the MIAA Tournament semifinals, downing Calvin University, 22-7, at Van Andel Soccer Stadium to advance to the title game.

Hope will face Albion College on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at Alumni Field. This will be Hope's third appearance in an MIAA Tournament championship game since 2018.

MIAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament Website

Hope opened with another commanding start, kicking off with a goal by junior Zach Wiggins (Kalamazoo/Mattawan HS) just 49 seconds into the game. The Flying Dutchmen had six unanswered goals, including three in a row by Michael Mann, before Calvin got on the board with 5 minutes and 9 seconds to go in the first quarter.

Photo of Cole Scheffler by Lynne Powe

Mann (Plymouth/University of Detroit-Jesuit HS) and Luke Elder (Grand Rapids/East Grand Rapids) led in scoring with six goals each. Wiggins had three for the night.

The Flying Dutchmen also made a statement in assists, recording 12 for the night, which is the third-most in MIAA Tournament history. Jack Radzville led with four. The junior attacker of Howell (Howell HS) also netted three goals.

Hope did not shy away from the history books for the evening. Their 34 combined points rank as the third-most in tournament history. It was also their second game in a row, and sixth game this season, where they scored 20 or more goals. 

The game was the third-highest scoring game in MIAA tournament history, with Hope's 24-3 win against Adrian on Saturday ranking as the second-highest. 

Hope dominated at groundballs with 74-49 for the game. Junior goalie Ian Bosman of Centennial, Colorado (Cherry Creek HS) led with seven pickups.

The Flying Dutchmen outshot Calvin by a 65-32 margin.

At goal, Bosman had nine saves, while senior Peter Reynolds (Holland/Black River HS) had two.

Davis VanSkiver (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Northern HS), Will Cunnington (Phoenix, Arizona/Notre Dame Prep), and Eli VanSingel (Zeeland/Zeeland West HS) each chipped in one goal.