Trent Downs Queen's in First Game of CUFLA 2023 Season

The defending Baggataway Cup champion Trent Excalibur notched their first win of the season before a packed home crowd at Justin Chiu Stadium on Wednesday night. Saturday, 11 more teams will look to join Trent in the W column as half a dozen games take place across the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association.

For the full slate of games, including six Saturday and three more Sunday, go to the schedule page here. 

Trent got goals from Jordan Dool and Cole Hanrahan to open the first quarter and establish a lead they would never relinquish en route to an 8-5 win. Queen's got one back when Jack Faller scored his first of a pair before the quarter ended, but the Excalibur dominated the second quarter 4-0, appearing to take firm control of the game with a 6-1 half time lead. 

That result came much to the delight of the fans who filled the stands, spilled over to the grass in the corners of the stadium and circled much of the chain link fence around the field. Whether it was some rust, season opener jitters or the roar of the crowd, both teams showed some nervousness that was manifested in stretches of missed passes and sloppy play. 

Queen's came out in the third like a team on a mission, controlling much of the flow of play, stepping up their defensive game and getting a handful of outstanding saves from Ryan Gemus when needed. As the quarter went on, the Gaels started to find their scoring touch, as well. Reed Allen scored just past the midpoint of the period then Dano Realini and Faller connected 1:11 apart to close the gap to 6-4 and elicit some mild discomfort among the Trent faithful as the third quarter wrapped up.

Trent buckled down defensively in the fourth, and Hanrahan's third goal of the game gave them some breathing room six minutes into the frame. The Excalibur made it stand up and exited relieved and happy to have their first win, but knowing they have a lot of work to do if they want to have a shot at defending their title.