ALBION – Despite two career milestones reached, the on-field hooplah took a back seat to something more incredible in pregame in the Albion College men's lacrosse team's 21-13 win over Oberlin College. 

In their annual Vs. Cancer game, the team got a surprise from Harper Mathis – a young girl the team has "adopted" virtually over the last two seasons, having team Zooms and other activities. In pregame, a recently cancer free Harper surprised the team and witnessed a wonderful afternoon from the Britons. 

Jace Conley exploded for 12 points, becoming Albion's all-time leader in points. The senior scored seven goals and added five assists. Junior Sam Puzevic reached the 100 career goal mark in the win. Sophomore Ethan Rottell added a seven point afternoon for the Brits, turning in five goals and two assists. Fellow sophomore Timmy Salinas scored a hat trick in the win.

Rottell and Puzevic put the Britons up early before the Yeomen cut the score in half. After another Conley goal, Oberlin evened the game at three midway through the first period. Once again an Albion goal was answered by a strike from the visitors before Brock Yabs and Conley put the Brits up 6-4 after one. 

Five minutes into the second quarter, the hosts got goals from their two leading scorers, Puzevic and Conley. Holding a four goal lead, Oberlin rattled off a 4-0 run, tying the game to eight with 2:52 before halftime. Rottell single handedly put the Brits up by the half, scoring twice to take a 10-8 lead into the break. 

An early Oberlin goal wouldn't faze the Brits, as Albion got three straight goals from Yabs, Puzevic and Gerald Haadsma. Trading goals throughout the period, the Britons led 15-12 going into the fourth. 

The story was all Albion in the final quarter, outscoring the Yeomen 6-1. Albion's lead would hold, improving to 3-0 on the young season. 

Haadsma was 21 of 36 from the face off X. He is now 67.6 percent on the season. The senior captain also picked up 10 ground balls in the win.

Joey Tatar, Chad Burton and Bear Nelson all caused three turnovers in the win. 
 
Entering in the second quarter, Jack Gogonis (1-0) made nine saves, picking up the win. 

"That was a special win for us today, and an emotional win too because we had Harper with us," said head coach Jake DeCola. "That was an all-team win and Harper is on our team too! She helped with all our pregame organization, so it was great to play well for her."
 
Albion will be back in action on Mar. 5 at The College of Wooster for their first road contest of 2022. Game time is set for 3 p.m.