CALDWELL, Idaho (BVM) – For the Utah State lacrosse team, their 2021 season opener was a chance for the Aggies to avenge a heartbreaking 13-9 loss to the College of Idaho two years ago. 

For the College of Idaho, they simply wanted to pick up where they left off last season. With the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling an undefeated 2020 season, the Yotes wanted to keep their ongoing winning streak intact. After 362 days of wait and uncertainty, the Yote’s lacrosse team had finally made their return to the field on March 5. 

On a windy Friday evening, College of Idaho and Utah State’s duel would be the first lacrosse game under the newly installed lights at Simplot Stadium. With the sun setting and masked fans making their way to the seats, the Yotes were exactly where they wanted to be. 

“Playing under the lights is really cool. I think it kind of sets the tone,” sophomore Casey Davies said. “It’s a different atmosphere than anyone’s ever played on and it unites the team a lot more.”

In the opening minutes of the first quarter, both teams would play physical defense as each side shared turnovers. Both defenses were on their toes early, but junior Joey Brant would be the first to erase the scoreless tie. After an aggressive defensive play and drive upfield, the two time Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League (PNCLL) All-Conference pick would grab the first goal of the season with a diving shot at the net. 

“Joey’s been putting in a lot of work,” Head Coach Matt Gier said. “Last year he was a first team All-Conference guy but he hit the gym and got a lot stronger. He’s one of those ‘lacrosse rats’ who’s always wanting to shoot. He’s put in the work and he’s a beast.”

Following a second goal by Brant and a first career goal by freshman Loy Howard, the Yotes found themselves up 3-0 early in the second quarter. But Utah State would not take it lightly. In the blink of an eye, goals from Jake Isom and Hunter Pherson would cut the deficit to 3-2. 

Two defensive breakdowns turned a comfortable lead into a one goal difference for the home side. It looked like it would be a long day for the Yote’s defense, but junior defenseman and PNCLL All-Conference pick Kirk Trammell never had to worry. 

“Our strength comes from the [defense] working together well and making sure that if something does happen to go wrong we can have each other’s back to fix it,” Trammell said. 

Before the end of the first half, Utah State was looking to score one more goal to swing the momentum in their favor. In the Aggie’s offensive possession, a shot from 10 yards out would force sophomore goaltender Cade Brown low for a save with his facemask. With the ball up for grabs, Utah State retained possession and fired another close shot, but Brown was able to turn the second shot away. This double save would highlight two and Brown’s 14 saves in the match.

“He’s a brick wall,” Coach Gier said. “He got snubbed his freshman year of All-Conference goalie and I think he’s really making a case for himself this year.”

With a halftime lead of 4-2, the Yotes weren’t satisfied with the small lead and knew they had to crank it up a notch. Riding a 17 game winning streak at home, something needed to change in order to put the game out of reach for the Aggies. 

That change would come. In the start of the third quarter, Trammell led the way for the defense as he provided key stops and physicality against the visiting side. With the Aggies struggling to find their offensive rhythm, Utah State’s first half goals became a thing of the past.

“The second half we communicated more and were just more comfortable,” Trammell said. “We know how good we are as a team and trust each other to step up and correct our mistakes.”

Then the offense went to work. Using speed and clean passing, the College of Idaho scored six important goals to help widen the gap of the score. Goals from Brant, Davies, sophomore Daniel Skelton and freshman Ty Burnett would expose the Utah State defense and secure a 10-4 lead to close out the third quarter. 

The scoring didn’t stop there. In the first two minutes of the final quarter, the Yotes would score five goals and put the final nail in the coffin for Utah State. Brant’s four goals were the focal point of the scoring sheet, but Howard and freshman Dane Hamilton’s three goals each were notable statlines in their collegiate debuts.

“Loy and Dane are extremely talented and it was no question that they were going to score a lot of goals,” Brant said. “Our offense is so talented that anyone can score at any time.”

In overwhelming fashion, the College of Idaho maintained the home winning streak and dominated Utah State 17-6. Despite the early turnovers and six goals scored against, there’s a lot to be happy about going forward. 

“There’s a lot we can build on,” Coach Gier said. “There were a lot of bright spots and a lot of dull spots, but a win’s a win.”

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