ALBION – For the ninth straight year, the Albion College men's lacrosse team has advanced to the MIAA Tournament Championship game. 

Behind a four point night by junior Sam Puzevic, the No. 2 seeded Britons defeated No. 3 Adrian, 11-7. Senior Jack Gogonis (7-0) added a stellar night in goal, making 13 saves in the win. 

Puzevic scored a hat trick and added an assist. Joey Tatar led all players, causing four turnovers. 

An Adrian turnover led to Albion's first goal less than a minute into the contest. Timmy Salinas found Puzevic for an early 1-0 lead, before Jace Conley scored moments later to double the advantage. 

A Bulldog goal was answered by a 3-0 Albion run. Puzevic, Brock Yabs and Conley all found the back of the net before the end of the first quarter, giving the hosts a 5-1 lead after one. 

Adrian scored the first three goals in the second, trimming the lead to one. Yabs answered with an unassisted goal, sparking a small run for the Britons. Freshman Brendan Mercier added his first goal of the day with 3:53 in the half, for an 8-4 lead. 

With 1:38 before the half, Conley found Ethan Rottell for an incredible behind the back goal, swinging all of the momentum in Albion's favor heading into halftime. 

Despite scoring just twice in the second half, Albion's defense turned in a good performance. Led by Tatar, Bear Nelson, Will Tessin and Gage Thrall, the Brits were able to keep the Bulldog chances at a minimum. 

The Brits were an efficient 20 of 23 on the clear. Both teams combined to go 0 for 10 on man up opportunities. 

Thrall and Nelson also caused three turnovers.

The Britons improve to 13-4 overall.

Head Coach Jake DeCola on the win: "That was a great game and we really had to play well in order to win. I am so proud of our seniors who really led the way for us all night. Bear held his man scoreless and picked up 3 caused turnovers, Joey was excellent in the ride and Jack Jack was awesome in Goal. Both Grant and Jace and Gerald also played their butts off ensuring that we get to advance. Fortunately, We had other young leaders step up and contribute huge pieces on offense, and guys like Puzevic and Yabs both had outstanding nights."

All time, Albion holds an 8-6 edge over the Flying Dutchmen. Their last two matchups, Hope has defeated the Britons by a combined 11 goals.