The Ducks rode a three-game win streak into the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association national tournament.
With momentum on their side and a No. 6 seed, the Ducks’ run was abruptly halted.
The No. 11-seeded Colorado Buffaloes, products of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference, were effectively playing a home game in Denver.
The hometown crew took all the advantages it could and upset Oregon. The 9-8 final featured soggy conditions, multiple lead changes and overtime.
“We knew how the game would go because they’re a fast-paced team and so are we,” junior Nick Johnston said. “Originally we were going to play late at night, and we were all fired up for it … I think we would have won had we played that night.”
But Johnston refuses to make excuses for Oregon’s loss. The Ducks held an 8-5 lead going into the final quarter, but the club found the sour end of several unsettled situations during the second half. A frenetic pace set by both teams was not to the benefit of either side, but it allowed for the quick counterattacks that Colorado capitalized on late.
After allowing the equalizer just 90 seconds from the end of regulation, the Ducks got back in control to open the overtime period. Winning the draw, Oregon fired a clean shot on the framework, but Buffs goaltender Brad Macnee came up with a strong save. One quick pass was all it took for Colorado to traverse the field and net the game’s deciding goal.
Tight games found the Ducks all year long, but this game felt different.
“We felt in control the whole game,” Oregon senior Justin Blackmore said. “We didn’t feel that we were going to lose.”
Defenseman Mike Gerrard provided some cushion with a coast-to-coast score in the fourth quarter, but Colorado’s counterattack quickly overshadowed Oregon’s glory.
“Our defense was on lockdown after (Colorado) opened the scoring,” Blackmore said. “We possessed the whole game.”
The 9-8 overtime loss to Colorado officially ended Oregon’s MCLA run in 2010, but one more game remained on the soggy turf. The Ducks handled Illinois in a 13-5 contest that served more as an indication of Oregon’s bright future than its most recent defeat.
Johnston said the feel of the second game was entirely different.
“We played all the seniors and changed the starting lineup,” Johnston said. “Also, a lot of the freshmen who don’t get a ton of time played significant minutes.”
The Fighting Illini entered play off a loss to Chapman on Wednesday. Despite the squad’s 6-0 record in the Great Rivers Lacrosse Conference and 12-2 overall sitting, the Ducks dispatched their Midwest opponents. Although the win is bittersweet, Blackmore looked at the bigger picture for his team.
“We had fun, and (the game) had a feel-good aspect,” Blackmore said. “Our lineup was completely flipped around (starting) subs and seniors.”
With some consolation, the Ducks can turn toward next year’s prospects. They lose a few keys up front, including Blackmore, Brett Whyte and Pat McMurdo, in addition to a couple of midfielders. But the defense returns all starters. Going into next season, the returning goaltender likes how his squad should look.
“We saw in the Illinois game … our team’s potential,” Johnston said. “We still have some big shoes to fill on attack.”

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