BOX SCORE

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Dominican University of California men's lacrosse team scored seven consecutive goals to close out its game on Saturday but the late comeback effort wasn't enough, as the Penguins fell 12-11 to Grand Canyon University in Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association action. The game was likely the last between the two programs, as GCU is discontinuing men's lacrosse next season in an effort to transition to NCAA Division I.

GCU (4-10/3-5) notched the game's first two goals before the Penguins (4-8/4-3) took advantage of a man-up situation and sophomore middie Jim Little netted his first of three goals. However, the 'Lopes held the Dominican offense scoreless for the next 27 minutes scored four more goals before the half to take a commanding 6-1 lead. Sophomore attackman Cam Evangelho connected with redshirt freshman middie Dalton Copeland to end the Penguins' scoring drought at 10:29 in the third quater. The 'Lopes caused Dominican to endure another 10-minute scoring drought and at the same time stretched the lead to 10-2. Little scored back-to-back goals early in the fourth quarter to pull the Penguins to within six goals but GCU pushed the lead back to eight with a pair of quick of quick back-to-back goals before the eight-minute mark. From there, Dominican exploded for seven goals over the last 7:21 of play but couldn't net that crucial tying goal before time expired.

The 'Lopes were led by Kahai Sibley's four goals on five shots, two assists, and a game-high nine groundballs.

Little added a pair of assists and finished with five points. Junior attackman Reed Upson raised his goals on the season to a team-leading 28 with a hat trick, and added a pair of assists. Senior Emmett Faricy tallied two goals and an assist in the effort. Copeland had a goal and an assist and fellow redshirt freshman Brock Beall added a goal.

Freshman goalie Sean Donohue notched nine saves but was charged with the loss and fell to 2-5 on the season.

"It was a shocking and disappointing day all around. Credit to Grand Canyon; they played well for 52 minutes and we played well for the final 8," said Dominican Head Coach Ned Webster. "The only positive we can take, and it's a big one, is that this team does not quit. We battled back and we believed. It's just a shame it took us so long to wake up."

The Penguins conclude the 2011 campaign on Friday, April 30 versus Notre Dame de Namur University. The game will be played under the lights of historic Kezar Stadium in San Francisco at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $8 at the gate with proceeds supporting non-profits Lacrosse for Life and Fields of Growth. Purchase tickets at www.dominicanathletics.com/battleforthebay.