NDSU Lacrosse Recruits Pair of Maple Grove Graduates

A pair of graduates are headed to North Dakota State University as part of the Bison’s 2012 men’s lacrosse recruiting class.

Crimson defender Ross Gunderson and midfield Max Murphy will join the Bison during the 2012 season, according to a team press release on Wednesday, July 27.

Gunderson and Murphy helped Maple Grove Senior High go 13-0 overall during the regular season last spring, including 9-0 in the Northwest Suburban Conference. The Crimson advanced to the Section 6 semifinals, where they fell to Minnetonka 15-9.

Murphy was third overall on the team with 43 points this year. He finished his senior season with 17 goals and 17 assists.

The press release said the Bison are looking forward to Murphy’s all-around play at midfield and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

“We are looking for Max to step in and fill the void left by all American middle Jake Hubert,” NDSU Assistant Coach Tony Ghilani said. “I think he has the skill set where he will make an immediate impact.”

The Bison look forward to Gunderson’s size on the defensive end.

Men’s lacrosse is a club sport at NDSU. The Bison compete in the Upper Midwest Lacrosse League during the regular season and take part in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association’s Division II tournament during the playoffs.

NDSU compiled an 11-4 overall record in 2011, including a 6-1 mark in the UMLL, and reached the national tournament. The Bison lost 10-8 to Savannah College of Art and Design in the first round.

“This class will help us to reach our goal of a National Championship,” Bison Head Coach Zach Bosh said. “We were able to add even more size and speed to our roster.”