Wheaton lost to the eventual conference champion, Harding University on Saturday, May 3. This losses ended Wheaton's 2008 campaign in the conference semifinal game. The Thunder lead the game 7-6 in the second quarter, but were unable to maintain the lead for the rest of the game. Harding just had more energy after their first round bye, while Wheaton had played DePaul the night before.  Junior Austin Lee lead the team with 3 goals, while Sophomore Keegan Cornwall tallied 2 goals and an assist. Senior Charlie Goeke ended is tenure with the team with 1 goal and 1 assist. Although the loss signals the end of another season, Wheaton will come back in the fall with a renewed vision for the spring season of 2009.

Wheaton won their first round game against DePaul in Wheaton, IL by a score of 18-9. Freshman Gordie Zimmerman lead Wheaton with 4 goals and 4 assists. This was the second meeting between the two teams in less than two weeks.

This Friday, Wheaton will kick off their post season campaign as they meet up with DePaul in a rematch of their regular season game just a week ago. The Thunder will host the game as a part of the GRLC tournament. The game will be held at Bean Stadium on the Wheaton campus and will start at 4pm.

The winner will travel to St Louis to join up the rest of the conference at Lindenwood University in St Charles, MO to take on nationally ranked Harding University in the second round. If Wheaton were to beat Harding, they would find themselves in the conference championship on Saturday night. The game would be held at 10:30 pm at Lindenwood. 

A beautiful night for lacrosse.

The teams were tied at 1 at the end of the first quarter, but Wheaton was able to take a 6-4 advantage into the half. Wheaton then came out gunning and got the score to 10-4, before DePaul responded, bringing the score to 10-9 at the end of the third. After trading a goal for a goal, Wheaton was able to pull away to a two goal lead with about a minute left in the game. A hard fought match for both teams. It looks like this matchup will be an annual battle for control of the subdivision. Thanks to DePaul for making the trip out during rush-hour.

Senior Charlie Goeke tallied 3 goals and 4 assists on the night while Junior Matt Morgan had 4 goals and 2 assists. Also, Wheaton goalie Tim Vanderpoel played extremely well and came up with 22 saves for the Thunder defense.

The Thunder have taken the lead in the conference subdivision with their wins of Augustana and DePaul. If the team is able to win on Friday against Cornell, they will likely be the three seed for the conference tournament.

It was a wonderful evening for lacrosse in Rock Island, IL. Wheaton came out scoring, and didn't let up all game. Senior Charlie Goeke started the scoring and ended the night with 2 goals and 3 assists. Junior Justin Nanfelt also had a standout night with 3 goals and 2 assists. Additionally, Juniors Steve Nelson, Matt Morgan  and Austin Lee all tallied 3 goals on the night.

The trip was a great success for the team and should serve as a catalyst looking ahead to next weekend's trip to Michigan. The Thunder will take on CCLA-2 opponents Ferris State and Grand Valley State.

Thankfully all the snow that fell on Thursday night in Wheaton was melted for Friday and Saturday's games. On Friday afternoon, Hope overcame Bethel with a 17-11 victory. In the night games, Calvin beat Dordt 9-4 while Wheaton fell to Grove City in their first game of the season 10-6. On Saturday, Bethel outlasted Grove City and came away with a 9-8, overtime victory. Later, Dordt beat Hope in a close 9-8 win that came down the final possesions. The last game of the weekend featured Wheaton and Calvin. Wheaton started off slowly, but fought their way back into the game and drew within three goals early in the fourth quarter. However, Calvin's depth could not be match as they pulled away to a 20-12 win.

It was a great weekend for all of the teams and the Thunder hope that next year's 3rd Annual Holy War Invitational will see increased participation and fellowship. Thanks for all of the teams who made it out in 2008!