Next Up: Bulldogs vs. Gophers

Next Up: Bulldogs vs. Gophers

Duluth, MN – The rivalry is set to continue this upcoming weekend.

After a strong start to the 2012 season, the UMD Bulldogs now look ahead to their next game against the University of Minnesota Gophers.

“Though we beat the Gophers in the UMLC championship game last year, the loss to them at home (in Duluth) still leaves a very sour taste in our mouths. It’s a feeling we will surely not forget entering Saturday’s game,” said senior captain #17 Matt Madden.

These two teams matched up twice in the 2011 lacrosse season, and it’s sure to be a battle to the finish between the Bulldogs and the Gophers.

“There’s always a rivalry between these two teams. If there’s one thing I can say about the Gophers, it’s they always come ready to compete and give our guys a challenge,” said head coach Frank Clark.


During the regular season, the Gophers edged out the Bulldogs 8-7 in overtime on Bulldog territory. But when they played again in the 2011 UMLC playoffs, the Bulldogs reigned superior with a final score of 11-6.

“This is one game everybody marks on their calendars. I have no doubt it will be a great afternoon of lacrosse from both teams,” said Clark.

In 2011, the Gophers finished their season with a divisional UMLC record of 4-1, and an overall record of 6-6. The Golden Gophers made it to the second round of the 2011 UMLC playoffs, but saw their season end when they matched up against the Bulldogs and lost.

“We need to jump on every opportunity and get things going in our favor early like the past weekend’s match-ups will be key,” said Clark.

The rivalry match-up will take place on Saturday, February 25 at the University of Minnesota Bubble Stadium in Minneapolis. The game starts at noon.

“Preparation, focus and execution will be the keys for us to be successful this weekend. It should be a very exciting game,” said Sam Litman, the Bulldogs assistant head coach.

Make sure to keep up with the Bulldogs by visiting umdlacrosse.com, and catch all the details of every game by following @Duluthlacrosse on Twitter.