written by Tyler Kuehl

BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. - A week after the Panthers put 19 goals up on the No. 4 team in the country, the Panthers did one better (literally) against the Bulls from the University at Buffalo. The game was played on a neutral site at the Detroit Country Day Fieldhouse. The game was also a little unusual, as the start time was a late 9 p.m. start. However, the Panthers certainly were not asleep when the opening whistle blew.
 
Davenport vs. Buffalo (Saturday, March 10)
Final Score: Davenport-20 I Buffalo-12
Records: DU (5-0) I UB (2-3)
 
The Panthers came out swarming against the Bulls, leading 3-1 within the first eight minutes of the quarter. The teams would trade goals before the end of the quarter, with the Panthers leading by two after the first 15 minutes.
 
Both offenses finally seemed to catch their grooves in the second quarter. The two teams traded goals back-and-forth throughout the majority of the frame. With the score 7-6 in the late stages of the first half, DU ramped up the onslaught and put four unanswered goals in before halftime.
 
Head Coach Chris Esquivel was not surprised with his team's efficiency. Coach Esquivel pointed out that, "All week they did a great job with their shooting practice and it translated into the game."
 
The Panthers were now carrying an 11-6 lead at the start of the second half. Yet, Buffalo came out hungry in the third quarter. Two goals put them only down three, and within striking distance. Once again, though, the Panthers took the game over offensively. Five straight goals had Davenport out in front by eight in the early stages of quarter number four. Buffalo tried to stage a comeback with four consecutive goals of their own, but it wouldn't be enough as the Panthers put four in the Buffalo net before time expired.
 
On three separate occasions the Panthers scored four consecutive goals. Coach Esquivel knows how important it is to stay focused, one goal at a time.
 
"Lacrosse can be a game of runs," Esquivel mentioned. "Our team does an amazing job on focusing on the moment, and not looking ahead."
 
Bryan Larocque continued his high scoring run with a seven-goal performance. Dylan Riley also was huge for the Panthers with 10 points in the game. Josh Jubenville chipped in with four goals of his own, and led the team with four ground balls. Logan Conwell was perfect in the face-off circle, winning all 10 that he took.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers will finally dive into their CCLA schedule as they travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans will come into the contest 7-0, and are currently ranked No. 4 in the country after the Panthers knocked off the previous No. 4, BYU. Historically, the Panthers have not faired well against MSU, as DU is 3-8 versus the Spartans since the program's inaugural 2008 season. Opening face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16.