FORT COLLINS, Colo. (April 24, 2010) — “The monkeys are off our backs,” head coach Alex Smith said after CSU’s win Saturday night against BYU. The team hadn’t won against BYU since 2006, and beating them 10-5 gave the team something to be proud of.

“I thought we played with pretty good emotion and it just seemed like everything was going our way.  It was a great way for our seniors to close out their final regular season game and for our team to get some momentum heading into the playoff season,” Coach Smith said.

It was a tight game during the first half, the scores at just 3-2 by half time. But in the second half the Rams kept the energy high while BYU began to slow. It was also the Hall of Fame game, so many of the program’s alumni were in attendance, giving them the chance to relive the glory of their time at CSU.

The game had many star players, but Goalie Alex Jacques really shined, making 14 saves with only five goals against him. “He doesn't get a lot of love on the national stage, but I think he’s one of the best goalies in the country,” Coach Smith said. “Alex Jacques is having such a nice season for us.  When he gets going, our team really starts to look good, and he was definitely going tonight.”

This weekend the Rams head to Provo, Utah for regional championships. They are currently ranked No. 1 in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference, and could likely face BYU again.

“There are still lots of scenarios to play out with regard to who we will play next week, but we are going to have to be prepared to win two games against very good teams in two days.  It will be a great test for us and it will say a lot about if we are ready to truly contend on a national level,” Coach Smith said.

The team has won six regional championship titles, the last being in 2006, and hopes for this year are high. “I told this team that we are 0-0 now.  What happened this season doesn’t matter because all that really counts is the post-season.  I’m very excited to see how we do.”

More information on the match-ups will be posted on MCLA.us later in the week.

Game Statistics