The Eagles downed the Occidental College Tigers 10-9 Saturday, April 9, earned a three-way tie for second place in the South Western Lacrosse Conference, and claimed a spot in playoffs.

Despite the loss to USC Thursday, April 7, sophomore attackman Jeff Clark said he remained optimistic about the game against Occidental. “Occidental’s a good team,” he said, “but I’m confident we can come out and beat them.” So approaching Biola’s Al Barbour Field once again, the Eagles were ready to give it all or nothing.

Eagles efforts put them up at the half

It was a back and forth game the whole night. At the end of the first quarter Occidental was up 3-2. In the second quarter freshman midfielder Jonathan Moranski scored his first career goal to even the game. At halftime Biola was up 4-3, thanks to junior midfielder David Sigley’s second goal of the game.

Tight battle for winning goal

Still happy from his prior success, Moranski scored again to give the Eagles a 5-4 lead before the Tigers roared back for the lead. With a huge effort, Sigley marked his third and final goal of the game, diving for an open shot and tying the game at 8-8. Then it was a mad scramble as both teams realized the clock was winding down. Moranski earned a hat trick, tying the game at 9-9. But is was Biola’s senior midfielder Scott Shiokari who scored the final point of the match.

Biola faces CSU Fullerton next

The win gave Biola a place in conference playoffs. But first, the Eagles will battle with long-time rival California State University, Fullerton. The game will be huge in setting Biola’s momentum for playoffs.