MISSOULA, Mont. – It’ll be a new experience for most of the Bridgewater State players when they step off the plane at the Missoula International Airport.

Big Sky country can take your breath away with its beauty and vastness.

It’s also the home of a very good Grizzlies team.

The Bears will be considerable underdogs against the Grizzlies, but Pat Welsh doesn’t show up to check the box. Bridgewater is here to win.

D-II Round 1: Bridgewater State at Montana | https://t.co/15uHZdhetD #virtualmcla20
— MCLA Tournament '21 (@MCLA_Tournament) March 26, 2020

And they’ve got a decent chance.

The best player for BSU – and perhaps on the field in this game – is senior Dante DiClemente. A long-stick midfielder by trade, he has been pressed into close defense duties at times. He’ll be protecting classmate Colby Scarsella, who is repping Martha’s Vineyard very well.

Junior middie Jon Coates almost acts as a quarterback of the Bears’ offense that can be up and down, but has the ability to make a big run. Cullen Murphy is the biggest weapon on attack.

“We’ll beat them. No disrespect; I just think we’re the better team,” said Welsh*. “We’ll have to find our legs, but I think our ‘ones’ are better than their ‘ones’.”

Montana coach Tucker Sargent is a New England guy, so he won’t take the bait.

Especially with a loaded Griz team.

Junior attackman James Pierce is a sniper who can stretch defenses. Throw in 6-foot-5, 220-pound Trent Tubbs out of the midfield and matchup problems will ensue.

Eric Mott leads a deep defense that is aided by the play of stud faceoff man Luke Johnson and his multiple possessions.

“Our guys are very excited to have a home game,” said Sargent*. “Bridgewater has a fantastic team and we’re excited for the challenge.”

[*- The coach didn’t really say this. This is all made up. It’s fake]