Missoula, MT - The University of Montana Lacrosse team concluded the regular season on a high note over the weekend with two convincing victories inside of Washington Grizzly Stadium. The 12th ranked Grizzlies were powered to these wins behind a torrid offensive attack that would score 40 goals combined in a pair of wins over Central, and Western Washington Universities. There would be a multitude of contributors in the victories, but attackman Eric Frazer would prove to be the driving force.
The Oregon native would score 9 goals combined in the two victories, including a 7 goal performance Saturday against Western Washington. For these efforts, Frazer was acknowledged as the MCLA Division II Warrior Player of the Week. In the process, the sophomore became the first member of the Grizzlies program to be acknowledged with a National Player of the Week honor this season.
The performance for Frazer would paint a picture of how the season as a whole went for the second year member of the Grizzlies. The computer science major finished the 2022 season with a team best 33 goals. Frazer also dished out 17 assists during the season to finish with 50 points which was second on the team. The West Salem High School product was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success this season.
“I feel really honored to receive the award,” Frazer said. “It always feels amazing to be recognized for a good performance especially with playoffs right around the corner. I’m very proud to be representing Griz Lacrosse. Our team has put in a lot of work this season to be where we are.”
Montana concluded the regular season playing some of its best lacrosse having won each of their last four games. Frazer had a huge hand in that success scoring 13 goals in those games. Grizzlies head coach Tucker Sargent was pleased that this award served as a culminating moment for Frazier, and the rest of the team.
“Eric's performance this weekend sparked the whole team,” Sargent said. “He was first on the board in both games, and Saturday against WWU he had a career day that inspired and fired everyone up to play their best. He's been an offensive leader all season and I expect it to continue into the postseason as he is playing his best lacrosse right now.”
Montana (12-5) will now turn its attention to postseason play and a potential run toward a national championship. That journey for the Grizzlies begins when Montana opens play at the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League (PNCLL) Tournament on Saturday April 30 in Caldwell, Idaho. The winner of the four-team tournament will receive an automatic bid into the 2022 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.
The number one seeded Grizzlies will open play on the 30th at either 9 a.m. or 12 p.m. depending on the result of other PNCLL conference games to be played later this week. The winners of both semi finals will advance to the PNCLL Championship game which is scheduled for Sunday May 1. The opening faceoff of that contest is scheduled for 11 a.m. Catch every tournament game featuring the Grizzlies streaming live on grizlax.com/videos.