In his third year at the helm of the Penn lacrosse team, coach Brian Voelker booked Penn's farthest road trip of his tenure -- to the scenic mountains of Colorado.
And the Quakers were able to get in a couple of lacrosse games as well.
After falling to Villanova, 10-7, in its season opener, Penn split its two away games over spring break, defeating Air Force, 6-3, but falling to Denver, 7-6.
"I'm not a big spring break trip guy, but it's important to get out of town once in a while," Voelker said. "Colorado Springs is pretty scenic, and the guys were able to get out and do some things, as well as bond as a team."
Against the Wildcats (3-1) the Quakers were unable to hold onto their 5-3 halftime lead, giving up four unanswered goals in the third period en route to a 10-7 loss.
But the Quakers were able to bounce back in their next game, against an unfamiliar opponent.
While Air Force was ranked No. 20 in the Inside Lacrosse/STX media poll, it was the Quakers (1-2) who looked like the higher-ranked team, controlling the tempo from the opening faceoff.
After a scoreless first period, Penn exploded for four goals in the second period and took a 4-1 lead into halftime.
While the Falcons (2-1) stepped up their offensive pressure in the second half, Penn's defense, led by sophomore goalie Greg Klossner, helped preserve the 6-3 victory.
Junior D.J. Andrzejewski led Penn with two goals, while classmate James Riordan added a goal and assist.
"It was really important to get that first win of the year," Voelker said. "Our first game against Villanova, we had a breakdown in the third and fourth quarter, but against Air Force we didn't."
Two days later, however, the Quakers experienced the same second-half breakdown after holding No. 12 Denver (3-0) to just one goal in the first half.
Despite Penn holding a 3-1 lead, the Pioneers scored three straight goals to open the second half.
While the Quakers were able to retake the lead, Denver answered with two consecutive goals at the end of the third period to take a 6-5 advantage.
Andrzejewski scored off of the opening faceoff to start the fourth period, but the Pioneers held Penn scoreless the rest of the way -- setting up Scott Davidson's game-winning goal with 3:50 left.
"We had some opportunities down the stretch, a shot from four feet out that could have tied the game," Voelker said. "But we need to learn to take advantage of those."
The inability to finish games might be a problem for the Quakers this season, after losing leading scorer and honorable mention All-American Will Phillips to graduation last year.
"Will was a big part of our offense, but the players we have are starting to recognize different roles," Voelker said.
