Sonoma Thumps Nevada on Senior Day, 16-8

The Sonoma State Men's Lacrosse team defeated the University of Nevada, Reno on Saturday, April 11th by a score of 16-8 on campus at Seawolf Stadium. After the game, each of the eight seniors were honored for their achievements as student athletes in a senior ceremony with their teammates, friends, and families. The Seawolves finish the regular season 8-4, and 3-3 (#4 seed) in the WCLL entering the WCLL playoffs this weekend. 

Standout performances from the game include senior Mason Colaizzi (6G, 2A), senior Benen Powers (2G, 4A, 3GB), senior Dylan Hardy (2A, 4GB, 3CTO), junior Liam Crow (4GB, 3CTO), sophomore Bradey Tyler (3A), senior Nick Frangione (2G, 1A), and senior Dustin Smith (2G, 5GB). 

In the first quarter, the Seawolves got the scoring started when Benen Powers fed Matt McCurdy for a nice time and room finish to the top corner. Powers would score next on a feed from fellow captain Dustin Smith in transition. Powers would then return the favor, setting the table for Smith who scored on a shot to the low corner. Late in the quarter, the Seawolves took advantage of another transition opportunity when Dylan Hardy found Powers for a classic "Oak Park Connection" that's been seemingly unstoppable all season long. 

In the second, the Seawolves jumped on the Wolf Pack, scoring 8 goals in the quarter. Mason Colaizzi scored 4 of his 6 goals on the day in the second, and senior defensive midfielder Owen McCarthy scored in transition for his first goal of the season. Faceoff specialist John Heck found the back of the net for the first time this season as well on a well executed pinch and pop that led to a fastbreak and unassisted goal. At half, the Seawolves held a commanding 12-3 lead. 

In the third, freshman Ryan McLaughlin dodged from X and threw a great pass to Colaizzi on the crease for an easy finish, 5 minutes into the quarter. Later in the third, sophomore close defender Alejandro Bolz scooped up a ground ball on the run on the defensive end and carried the ball over mid field with a numbers advantage. Bolz would feed Powers who found Nick Frangione on the doorstep to slam it home in the top corner. The Seawolves finished the third quarter up 14-5. 

Early in the fourth quarter, Hardy found fellow senior captain Nick Frangione in an unsettled situation for another finish on the doorstep. Hardy finished the season with 15 points (2G, 13A), which ranks #1 in the MCLA by a defensive player by a landslide -- the next closest player finished with 8 points. Many reserves took the field in the fourth quarter, gaining excellent experience for the majority of the fourth. The last goal of the game for the Seawolves came from sophomore midfielder Jackson Garcia on a loose ball that ended up in front of the cage. Garcia showed great awareness by being in the right place at the right time for the easy scoop and score. 

Next, the Seawolves play Santa Clara University on Sunday, April 19th at 1pm at home at Seawolf Stadium for the WCLL quarterfinals. We look forward to the support of all of our fans and hope to see the stands packed for our last opportunity to play at home this season! 

Go Seawolves! 

Below are pictures of each of our seniors and a small write-up on each:

#4 Kaleb Kuska (aka Leb)

Kaleb will be remembered for his consistency and his toughness, rarely (if ever) sitting out of a drill or a conditioning session in his four years as a Seawolf. Kaleb originally came to SSU as a long pole, but made a position change to defensive midfield and has been a key starter the past two seasons. Kaleb will be graduating with Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology this spring and is planning to become a Paramedic Firefighter after graduation.

#30 Teodor Culai (aka Teo)

Teo is one of the hardest workers in the program. Teo has played close defense, defensive midfield, and even LSM in his time as a Seawolf. Teo was the recipient of the Colin O'Kane scholarship last season, and decided to stick around for his fifth year this year after suffering an injury midway through last season. Teo will be graduating with a B.S. in Computer Science and will look to pursue a career in AI upon graduating.

#6 Dustin Smith (aka Dusty, The Dustbuster) 

Dustin is a multi tool player who has proven to be a huge asset to the Seawolves throughout his career. Whether playing at LSM or midfield, Dustin has always been elite on ground balls and a major threat on the offensive end. Dustin will always be remembered for running a sub 6 minute mile after a two hour practice, in cleats, on Beauj Field as a sophomore, putting the team on notice. Dustin will graduate this spring with a B.S. in Kinesiology and is planning to pursue a nursing degree.

#31 Nick Frangione: (aka Grandpa) 

Nick transferred to Sonoma State after originally playing at the University of Oregon and his impact was felt immediately. Nick has always had a knack for clutch goals and will be remembered for his bone crushing hits in the ride. Nick has been nothing short of a great leader for our program and his impact on the program will be felt long after he leaves. Nick will graduate this spring with a B.S. in Computer Science and plans to become a Software Engineer after graduation.

#2 Owen McCarthy (aka Wen)

Owen originally came to SSU as an attackman, but served as a starter at defensive midfield for the past three seasons. Owen's ability in the clearing game really shined, and he showed off his ability to push fastbreaks and catch anything thrown his way throughout his career. Owen will be graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and is planning to work in ski patrol after graduation.

#35 Mason Colaizzi (aka Mayo, Spicy Mayo)

Mason is a three year starter at attack and finished the season #1 in the WCLL with 36 goals this season! During his junior season, Mason scored the game winning goal to beat Stanford in triple OT in the WCLL playoffs. Mason's favorite memory was getting to spend time with the boys on the Oregon spring break trip this year. Mason will graduate this spring with a degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) and is planning to become a chiropractor.

 

The infamous "Oak Park Connection", high school and college teammates Benen Powers and Dylan Hardy. 

Benen Powers (aka Banan)

Benen has been an impact player since the moment he stepped on campus. Benen is a four year starter, earned All Conference honors every year, and is finished the regular season leading the entire WCLL in points by a wide margin (34G, 31A). Benen's competitive drive and overall toughness has been incredibly consistent throughout his career and his leadership ability has shined, especially in his last two years as captain. Benen will be graduating this spring with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in wine and will be looking to gain employment in his field of study in Southern California after graduation.