On Saturday, May 2nd, Missoula Elite Lacrosse teams traveled to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to participate in the first games in program history. MEL’s inaugural game featured the Men’s Varsity team taking on host Coeur d’Alene Vikings. The host Vikings got on the board quickly against a road-weary MEL team and lead 5-0 only 7 minutes into the game. Following the first quarter break, the boys from Missoula found their legs and play increased dramatically. Midfielder Trevor Johnson (SO, Sentinel) notched the program’s first goal in the 2nd quarter and the defense, anchored by Goaltender Rian Tuttle (JR, Hellgate), shutout the Vikings for the quarter. The third quarter was very evenly played, with each team playing solid defensively and each scoring once in the quarter. Midfielder Colter Lear (JR, Hellgate) found the net for MEL after a great feed from Attackman Dylan Gross (JR, Hellgate). The 4th quarter started out very physical with teams trading blows in the first 6 minutes. Attackman Dane Kuhn (JR, Hellgate) scored his first goal on an isolation from the wing and the team started working through their offense well to generate shots. Unfortunately Kuhn’s goal would be the lone goal of the quarter for MEL and the host Vikings started finding some holes in the tired MEL defense and ended up winning the contest 13-3. Goaltender Rian Tuttle was awarded the game ball for his 12 save performance.

Following the MEL Men’s Varsity game, the Men’s JV team played it’s first game ever. The boys played hard against the more experienced University High, WA, program and were excited to hit the field for the first time. Goaltender Colten Birdeau (FR, Sentinel) shined early on and had netted 12 saves by the end of the first half. The midfield was paced by Albert Plant III (8th, Arlee) and Logan Kuhn (8th, Washington). who did a great job clearing the ball and working it to the attack. Attackman Hunter Brant (FR, Big Sky) and Tanner Pace (FR, Big Sky) both worked the ball well offensively and found shots early and the boys took away a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge from their first game.

In the Men’s Varsity team’s second game of the day, the boys went to battle against Three Rivers, Washington. The teams looked very even in the opening quarter and MEL went into the second down 2-1, with Attackman Dane Kuhn netting a goal. In the second quarter the Coyotes from the Tri-Cities dominated at the face off X and were able to push a number of transition goals past the MEL defense. At halftime the Varsity boys made some adjustments to their game and were able to evenly pace the Coyotes for the rest of the contest. Led by a pair of 4th quarter goals from Attackman Lance Altmaier (JR, Hellgate), the MEL team won the second half 3-2 and finished with a very respectable 11-5 final score. Attackman Dane Kuhn was awarded the game ball for his 3 goal performance and Goaltender Rian Tuttle finished with 10 saves. Defenseman Joel Colbert (JR, Hellgate) paced the defense all game and finished with 6 groundballs. Midfielder Coty Becker (SO, Sentinel) had a team high 7 groundballs and pushed the ball effectively in transition throughout the game, along with line mate Matt Gosselin (JR, Big Sky).

The MEL Men’s JV team wrapped up the day’s action following the second Varsity game with another solid performance against the host Coeur d’Alene Vikings. Attackman Eli Hampson (FR, Hellgate) netted the team’s first goal ever during the contest and Goaltender Colten Birdeau had another great game in the cage. Missoula Elite Lacrosse would like to thank University High and Three Rivers for meeting us in Coeur d’Alene and a big thanks to the host Vikings for putting on a great day of lacrosse!

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