Pat Spencer just wanted another week to play college lacrosse. The lacrosse world just wanted another week to watch him do so.
Spencer, Loyola’s star for the better part of four seasons, approached a do-or-die matchup with Syracuse on Saturday afternoon. A win, and the Greyhounds were headed to yet another NCAA quarterfinal. A loss, and Spencer’s career was over.
He made sure to give his team, and his fans, another week. Spencer scored three goals and tallied six assists to lead Loyola to the 15-13 come-from-behind victory over unseeded Syracuse. Not to mention, we got this highlight.
Pat Spencer BTB @LoyolaMLAX is moving on, so that means we get to see highlights like this one for one more week.
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) May 11, 2019
(: @MikeyWallin) pic.twitter.com/LXXsL86nNV
Along the way, Spencer became the NCAA’s all-time leader in assists (226), passing Albany’s Lyle Thompson. He also moved into second place in the all-time points list (369), jumping Albany’s Connor Fields.
“I felt like I had him from the start,” Spencer said of his matchup with Syracuse's Nick Mellen. “He’s a good player. I just think there was a spot on the field I was able to get to. That’s a credit to my teammates. The spacing on the field is critical. It’s tough to guard one guy, no matter who it is, in the open field.”
Spencer, a Tewaaraton finalist, is the Warrior/US Lacrosse Player of the Week for his historic day. He’ll match up with fellow Tewaaraton finalist Grant Ament this weekend.
The Warrior/US Lacrosse Player of the Week, selected by US Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors, recognizes the top performers in Division I men’s lacrosse throughout the season.
Previous winners: