After making a solid statement with a blowout win against Texas A&M the night before, the Fighting Illini weren’t sure what to expect from the #19 University of Texas Longhorns.  After all, they had played a very strong schedule and were ranked #19 in the MCLA.

Those uncertainties were quickly put to rest however, as the Illini recorded a big win on the road.  The Fighting Illini and Longhorns were neck and neck all the way throughout the first half, as they literally traded goal for goal, with no team opening up a lead of more than one in the first half.  First half penalties hurt both teams, as both the Longhorns and Illini took advantage of their Extra Man Opportunities to put the ball in the net.  At the half, the teams were locked up at 4-4.

However, the third quarter provided some momentum for the Fighting Illini, as they were able to build up a lead and never look back.  Goals from Nate Prescott, Rhys Southworth, Stephen Black, Dan Dickson, Doug Sutherland, Ricky Valencia, and a phenomenal behind the back no-look goal from Scott Pfiffner put away the Longhorns for good as the Fighting Illini broke open the game with 4 straight goals in the 4^th.   The win wrapped up a perfect trip to Texas, where the Illini went 2-0.

After a few penalties and man down goals from the Longhorns, the Illini defense locked down against the Longhorns in the 2nd half en route to posting yet another solid effort on defense.  Sophomore Eric Rakoczy recorded the win in the cage, with great defensive efforts from Phil Dodson, Mike Howlett, Alex Burt, Neal Sullivan, Chris Fallon, Paul Dworzanski and Sean Forrest.

The Illini will have a week off before traveling to Boston to play Northeastern University and #12 Boston College on April 3^rd and 4^th.

Stay tuned for more updates on Fighting Illini Men’s Lacrosse at illinilacrosse.com

Game Notes:   Seniors Stephen Black and Nate Prescott and Sophomore Scott Pfiffner led the Illini with 2 goals apiece… Senior Joe O’Malley led the team with 3 assists in the contest… The win put the Illini at 1-0 vs. ranked opponents on the year… The win was the Fighting Illini’s 5^th in a row and 2^nd straight on their annual spring break trip