Senior Julian Coffman said he and his team were expecting the same powerhouse Colorado State squad that won the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association National Championship in 2006 on Friday evening.
But what the No. 8 Ducks (6-0) got was a 19-6 home victory against the nation’s No. 1 squad.
“Going into every lacrosse season, CSU is the preseason No. 1 team because of the huge amount of guys that try out for the team, all with lots of talent,” said Coffman, a senior who was named to the 1st-Team Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League’s All-Conference team and 2nd Team MCLA All-American squad in 2006 as a junior.
The sweep came just a weekend after Oregon defeated California (14-6) and Texas State (24-9) in Eugene.
On Sunday, Oregon also beat No. 4 Sonoma State 13-9. Coffman, a 6-foot-4-inch attacker, said the team came out hot in both matches and never looked back.
“We were able to win this weekend because every player on the field played their role and worked together to get the win,” Coffman said. “We have a very tough schedule this year and these were the first two of many difficult games to come. We just need to stay hungry and on top of our game.”
Sophomore attacker Clayton Knope registered two goals and three assists in both matches, scoring early on in both to help the Ducks set the pace. After blanking CSU in the first period, Oregon sealed the victory with two goals and three assists from sophomore Bret Retallick and four scores from Coffman. Knope is leading the PNCLL A Division with 28 total points off 16 goals and 12 assists. Senior Ryan Warren clocked in three goals and an assist, and junior Josh Schane had two goals and an assist. Junior goaltender Paul Swanson made 10 saves and allowed six goals on Friday.
“There is a lot of young talent on our team, and for them to learn from the upperclassmen will allow for a successful future of this program,” said Coffman, whose 20 goals this season is the best in the PNCLL A Division.
Coffman, who’s led the team in total points every year since his freshman season, is also second in the division with 26 total points, tying Knope for first place in assists with 12.
Against Sonoma, Oregon unleashed five goals in the first period and four goals in the fourth period to fend off the Seawolves. Coffman netted five goals, while Warren and junior Kevin Jewett each scored two goals. Swanson made 16 saves in the match.
Oregon, which is currently ranked 8th in the country by the MCLA, next competes in the Chico Tournament from Thursday through Saturday in Novato, Calif., and is scheduled to play BYU on Friday. The Ducks were ranked first in the PNCLL Preseason Division A Poll and Warren said they are shooting for their fourth-consecutive league title.