Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2023

8 9 SPRING 2023 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2023 EDITION FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY MEN’S BASKETBALL The Lions rarely missed the basket during a 78–60 rout over McNeese State University on November 19 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Chris Childs posted a team-high 21 points, including five 3-point field goals, and four rebounds. Kevin Caldwell Jr. finished with 18 points, six assists and three steals. Cam Burrell and David Ware chipped in with 11 points each. “What a great feeling for everyone involved, coaches, players, and administration,” Lindenwood Head Coach Kyle Gerdeman said. “The excitement on our players’ faces showed a confidence that they knew they now belonged at this level. I felt the same way. I think the confidence level raised in everyone, and, at the same time, you take a minute to think about how special that moment is in the building of a D-I program.” MEN’S ICE HOCKEY David Gagnon scored two goals as Lindenwood rallied from a four-goal deficit to knock off Air Force 7–6 on October 14 at Centene Community Ice Center. The Lions trailed 6–2 around the midway point of the second period before rattling off five unanswered goals. Kyle Jeffers, Andy Willis, Ryan Finnegan, Hunter Johannes and Max Neill also scored for Lindenwood, which converted three of its five power-play chances. Goaltender Trent Burnham made 39 saves on the night. “It was a win that I will never give back,” Head Coach Rick Zombo said. “Not because that’s an old coach’s phrase, but it defined my players for the entire season. This team battled. (For) 60 minutes, they gave everything.” SOFTBALL Behind a complete-game, five-hit shutout from fifth-year senior Amanda Weyh, Lindenwood earned a 1–0 win over Western Michigan University on February 12 in Monroe, Louisiana. Weyh was more than efficient, tossing 78 pitches, including 58 strikes. She also recorded four strikeouts. Mya Bethany scored the game’s lone run in the third inning. WOMEN’S LACROSSE Lindenwood outlasted reigning Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan University, 17–15, on February 14 at Hunter Stadium. The Chippewas raced out to a 7–1 lead after the first quarter before the Lions erupted offensively. Logann Eldredge posted six goals, while Sam Irwin finished with four. Emma Arnold scored three goals in the win. Eleanor Kast made seven saves. “It was a historic day for our program,” Lions Head Coach Jack Cribbin said. “It showed we had officially arrived and that we belong in NCAA Division I. The locker room had water flying everywhere as we celebrated afterwards, it was an amazing scene.” MEN’S LACROSSE Lindenwood edged Long Island University 9–8 on February 18 in Brookville, New York. Flint Thielen, Cam Smith, and Wesley Scurci scored two goals each in the win for the Lions. Ryan Kemp also scored. Lindenwood led 6–4 at the break and held off a late rally by LIU. “I have been a part of many huge moments for this program in my 20 years as a player and coach here at Lindenwood, but this one was different,” Lions Head Coach Jimmy Lange said. “This one helped put this program, that means so much to me, on the map at a national level like never before! Lindenwood has arrived, and I was lucky enough to be a part of that arrival!” BASEBALL The Lions rallied not once but twice before pulling off a 3–2 win over Nicholls State University on February 18 in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Lindenwood scored twice in the top of the ninth off a pair of singles from Logan Stevens and Tyson Ludwig. Easton Rakers earned the win for the Lions, who held Nicholls to just four hits on the day. “The first NCAA D-I victory for the baseball program is certainly validation that the 2023 team can win at this level,” Lindenwood Head Coach Doug Bletcher said. “The ground floor or foundation for all of the program’s future successes is being laid down by this team, and I think the guys recognize that. Years from now, when our players reflect upon the legacy of the program, it has to start with year one, victory one.” BEACH VOLLEYBALL Lindenwood secured its first win in program history with a 5–0 sweep over Oklahoma Wesleyan on February 24 at the Ozark Dome. The Lions’ top duo of Maider Soto and Katie Malzahn recorded a 21–13, 21–12 win that set the tone for the rest of the match. “In our inaugural season, we get to experience many firsts,” Lions Head Coach Alli Duckworth said. “Our first win was even more special as it was not only our first win as a Division I team, but also our first win as a program. It was a very humbling day and I think the biggest part of it was seeing how so many people followed along and congratulated the team. They felt like that win mattered to so many.”