by Odille Parker

With limited spectators in the stands for the first time this season, the Hope College men's lacrosse team added another commanding win to its record with their 20-7 victory over Alma College on Friday afternoon at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Luke Elder led the Flying Dutchmen in scoring with six goals. The senior midfielder of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids) gave Hope their initial momentum with the first goal one minute and 30 seconds into the game, picking up a groundball after an Alma turnover. 

Hope shut Alma down for the first quarter, scoring six unanswered goals before Alma got on the scoreboard five minutes and 51 seconds into the second quarter.

Head coach Mike Schanhals was impressed by the way the younger players stepped up with some key players out with injuries and quarantine protocols.

"I'm really pleased with the way that (the younger players) were just resilient and adaptable tonight," Schanhals said. "They had to take on different roles today and step up, and I'm proud of the way they handled themselves." 

Freshmen Cam Houck of Holland (Holland Christian), pictured left, and Sean Cunningham of South Lyon (Detroit Catholic Central), pictured right,each scored their first goal of the season. 

Attacker Jack Radzville contributed five goals and two assists, reaching 50 career goals. The junior of Howell (Howell HS) is the 11th Hope student to reach this milestone.

Goalies Ian Bosman and John Shea were also key in Friday's win. Bosman, a junior from Centennial, Colorado (Cherry Creek), had 13 saves, while Shea, a sophomore from Commerce Township (Detroit Catholic Central) had 3.

"Our goalie play today was really good," Shanhals said. "Coach Jackson Iciek has done a really nice job with (our goalies), and I'm just really impressed by it."

Alma had two goals late in the second quarter and one more five minutes and 51 seconds into the third quarter to make the score 4-10, before Hope responded with eight unanswered goals. 

Freshman attacker Michael Mann of Plymouth (University of Detroit-Jesuit)  started the streak, tallying a total of three goals and five assists for the night.

Alma scored again in the fourth quarter, and the two teams went back and forth in scoring to finish out the game.

Hope's next game is on Saturday, March 20 against Albion College at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Game start is at  2 p.m., with spectators limited to approved Hope fans only.