CSU led for much of the contest before giving up seven goals in the final frame to drop their fourth consecutive game. The 16 goals was the most a Colorado State defense has allowed since April of 2009 when Michigan put up the same tally in Ann Arbor.
CSU started the game hot, getting a goal from attackman Jake Johnson (Bridgton Academy; Lake Forest, CA) on the Ram’s first possession. After about 10 minutes of scoreless play, GCU evened the game at one with 4:32 left in the period. From there, CSU went on a 4-1 spree to close the quarter up 5-2. Sophomore Ashton Monheiser (Mountain Vista HS; Highlands Ranch, CO) was responsible for two of the goals, including one with :05 remaining in the first frame.
Grand Canyon scored quickly in the second with back to back goals by star attackmen Dean Fairall and Carson Barton to make it 5-4. From there, the teams traded punches for the remainder of the quarter and CSU led 8-7 at the halftime break.
Neither team got much going in the early part of the third quarter until Barton added his fourth of the day with 5:02 left to tie the score. Sophomore Chase Warner (Tesoro HS; Mission Viejo, CA) netted the first of his two goals less than a minute later. But Fairall answered for the ‘Lopes again and the score was tied heading into the final stanza.
The fourth quarter was all Grand Canyon, starting just :36 in as Austin Eckeroth gave GCU their first lead of the ball game. Neither team scored for five minutes, but Barton and Fairall rattled off three goals in under a minute to give the ‘Lopes a 13-9 lead. Warner and sophomore Luke Ramsey (Cathedral Catholic HS; San Diego, CA) popped home two to close the gap, only to watch Grand Canyon go on another three-goal run to seal the victory.
Barton was the star of the day, leading all scorers with seven goals and three assists while Fairall added four goals for Grand Canyon. Ramsey, Johnson, Monheiser and Warner each had two goals on the day for CSU.
Things do not get any easier for Colorado State (5-4 overall, 1-0 RMLC), who will face #4 Chapman on Saturday afternoon at the Loveland Sports Park. Grand Canyon has a day off before travelling to Boulder to take on the #1 Colorado Buffaloes.