Spartans Bow to Davenport in Home Opener Game to raise Mental Health Awareness

Michigan State Men's Lacrosse team played their first home game of the 2016 season before a St Patrick's Day crowd of more than 300 fans but lost to Davenport 12-11 in a game that was not decided until the final possession. Players & Coaches from both teams wore green shoe laces to help raise Mental Health awareness. See the story from WLNS.com here:  http://wlns.com/2016/03/18/msu-lacrosse-team-laces-up-for-mental-health-awareness/

The game featured several lead changes, with the Panthers jumping out to an early 3-1 lead before MSU took the lead at halftime 7-6. Davenport returned the favor by scoring four goals in the third quarter to lead 10-9 after three quarters.

The game was tied 11-11 before the winning goal was scored by Davenport's Paul Schlau off a fast break led by long stick midfielder Justin Dykgraff with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Spartans had several chances to tie the game - including possession the last minute of the game - but could not convert.

It was the first Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) conference game for both Division 1 schools - who were picked to content for the CCLA title in a preseason coaches poll. 

#26 Davenport improved to 5-0 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. The #19 Spartans fell to 1-4 and 0-1 in conference play.

Michigan State travels to the University of Pittsburgh (3-2) on Sunday, March 20 for a 5:00 pm EDT face off with the Panthers. The game will be broadcast on Michigan State's Twitter & Periscope accounts at @Msu_Lacrosse.