Clemson men’s club lacrosse returned to action over the weekend after spring break, suffering its first loss in nearly two months to No. 13-ranked Tennessee on Friday, March 28, before beating Michigan State the following afternoon in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The road is now tougher for the Tigers to win the ALC, which was one of their preseason goals. Friday’s loss marked the first divisional loss and the first since February 8, snapping their six-game win streak. Clemson (8-3, 3-1 ALC South) will now fall out of first place in the Southern division of the Atlantic Lacrosse Conference.
It was a rocky showing for the Tigers against Rocky Top, as the Volunteers (8-2, 4-0 ALC South) secured the lead in the first quarter and never surrendered it, winning 12-8. Clemson outclassed Michigan State (2-6) the next day, 19-10.
Clemson saw some strong performances despite the loss, with Jack Wunder, Nick Fussaro and Holden Morrison netting two goals each on Friday. Senior captain and goalkeeper John Hennessey made a season-high 18 saves in goal, keeping the Tigers in the game and the contest close.
Saturday marked a return to form for Clemson, scoring seven goals in the first quarter to build a comfortable lead against the Spartans. Tyler Superczynski, Landen Snyder, Ian Jackson, Gennaro Petrongolo, Wunder, Morrison and Fussaro each reached the back of the net at least once for the Tigers when all was said and done.
Clemson’s road gauntlet has finally come to an end. LoConte Field will welcome the Tigers home for the final time this season on Saturday, April 5, when they play James Madison (7-2, 4-0 ALC North) and again on Sunday, April 6, to face Virginia Tech (8-4, 3-0 ALC South).
