by Jules Gonsoulin
sports editor
Saturday, the Millsaps men’s lacrosse team closed out their season in Georgia against Berry. The Majors faced the Vikings in the Southern Athletic Association quarterfinals, in a rematch of the Majors’ last game of conference play. Unfortunately, the score did not reflect improvement from the first matchup between the two teams.
The first quarter was tight between the Majors and Vikings. Berry scored two quick goals to start the game, but Millsaps midfielders Scott Budd and Simon Sherman evened the score late in the quarter. Berry came out firing in the second quarter, scoring five goals to Millsaps’ one (Sherman’s second of the day).
In the second half, Berry added two goals early, followed by Ryan McKay’s unassisted bucket to bring the score to 9-4. Berry scored three more in the fourth quarter, but Hunter Stevison managed to score his 41st goal of the season in his final game as a Millsaps Major. Berry closed out the game 12-5, and advanced to the SAA semifinals. Chris Hood chalked up an impressive defensive effort with nine saves, as well as three ground balls, and Simon Sherman led the team in scoring with two goals.
With a talented group of seniors departing next year, including Kirk Clark, Ryan McKay and Hunter Stevison, the Majors will rely on younger players such as Simon Sherman, Scott Budd and Jack Houtz to lead the team. Coach John Hoeffler is also poised to recruit a stellar class of freshman for next year’s squad.