In Lions' Den, Dowling 'D' Dictates Tempo
by Chris Gentilviso | Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online
|
|
Dowling defenseman Kyle Rubisch (right), the team leader with 29 caused turnovers, says the No. 3-ranked Lions are in the NCAA tournament discussion thanks to their commitment to pressure defense. © Joe Rogate |
A coach’s definition of defense is often open to
interpretation.
Ask Dowling men’s lacrosse coach Tim Boyle for his slant,
and tempo tops his priority list.
“The one thing we always talk about is that we don't want
the other team to set the tempo,” Boyle said. “I
believe strongly that an offense in a rhythm is a very dangerous
offense.”
Winners of nine straight contests, the No. 3 Golden Lions have
succeeded in disrupting the rhythm of opponents’ attacks.
Dowling (10-1) suffered its only loss to date this season at the
hands of No. 2 Mercyhurst, which stands as one of two remaining
unbeatens in all of Division II.
As the club’s leader in caused turnovers with 29, senior
defender Kyle Rubisch has noticed the intense commitment to
Boyle’s tempo-driven philosophy.
“This year, I feel like the team has really gelled and
bought into all of the systems,” Rubisch said.
“Everyone is playing together, working hard at practice every
day. It's been showing on the field as of late.”
When Boyle talks defensive X’s and O’s with his team,
he does not clamor for the big check. Nor does he hammer away at
the notion of picking up a turnover on every play.
What the ninth-year coach does expect from his players on game
day: forcing the opposing attack to make bad decisions.
“We try to put pressure on them all over the box and put
them in difficult situations,” Boyle said. “Maybe to
get the ball on the carpet. Maybe throw a pass that ends up being
errant. Maybe someone is out there adjacent and they might get
knocked down.”
Those potentials may seem difficult to consistently simulate in
practice. But with the help of some ice-driven tactics,
Boyle’s defense has honed its strategies for loose-ball
situations.
As the NHL playoffs have hit their stride, Dowling’s defense
has done the same with its new “hockey footy” drill.
Using their feet or stick as a hockey stick, the players’
goal is to propel the ball into open space.
“I can't tell you how it has translated into the 50-50
ground balls going our way, from all sides of the ball,”
Boyle said.
The stat sheet backs Boyle’s assertion, as Dowling has
racked up over 46 ground balls per game over its first 11 contests.
Only St. Leo ranks better in that department.
Beyond the new drills, better communication has helped the Golden
Lions boost their play down the stretch. Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan
Dougherty has been integral in that process, allowing only 40 goals
in the second half this season.
A large part of that low figure has been Dougherty’s vocal
presence on the field. By guiding his defense to the right spots,
he’s faced only 90 shots on goal after the 30-minute
mark.
By adhering to that overall defensive disposition as a team, the
Golden Lions have established firm footing for their NCAA playoff
push. That’s a goal that has been embedded in their minds
from day one. While Conference Carolinas champion and No. 4-ranked
Limestone the likely South region representative and top-ranked Le
Moyne likely qualifying, barring a Northeast-10 tournament
disaster, ECC foes Mercyhurst, Dowling and C.W. Post must duel for
the remaining two spots.
Mercyhurst and C.W. Post meet Saturday. Dowling hosts first-year
Chestnut Hill.
“This year, we really want it,” Dougherty said.
“We've had that goal since the beginning, that we want to go
all the way and win it. That's definitely in the back of our minds
during every game, especially when it comes down to the end.”
