Madonna runs away with second half in 22-3 defeat of Pride

DUBUQUE, Iowa - In the frigid temperatures out at Burrows Field this Sunday afternoon, the Clarke University men's lacrosse team fell by a final of 22-3 to Madonna University.

The Pride battled tough through the first 30 minutes against the Crusaders, who are receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, to just an 8-3 MU lead at the halftime break as Clarke was able to get a pair of goals from Conner Cole and the third from Justyse White who was assisted by Cole on the play.

But from the start of the third quarter on, Madonna would take control as they shut CU out for the entirety of the second half and would go on to add 14 more goals with eight in the third quarter and six more in the fourth.

The Crusaders controlled play to outshoot the Pride 45-6 for shots on goal as Clarke goalie Jack Fritz was able to make a career-high 23 saves despite MU's 22-goal effort. Madonna's leaders in goals were Shane Alexander and Nick Conrad, who both had six goals, while Conrad also had a game-high four assists.

Clarke will hit the road for their next game as they travel to University of Saint Mary for a Tuesday night matchup against the Spires in Leavanworth, Kan. for a 7:00 p.m. CT start.