Colorado State Sweeps Weekend in Missouri
from press release
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Heading into this weekend the CSU men's
lacrosse team was unsure of how they would measure up to their
competitors. The Rams experienced strong competition from
Lindenwood in the past and haven't played Texas in several
years, but once the players stepped onto the field it was clear the
Rams had what it takes to win away from home.
The Rams beat the Lindenwood Lions, 17-4 on Friday night, and
continued their success the next day, beating the Texas Longhorns,
12-6.
"Lindenwood is definitely young and they have some good players,
but I thought we really took the game to them," said head coach
Alex Smith. "We are doing a good job right now of recognizing the
other team's strengths and taking them away. That's a good
quality for us to have as we start to play some of the higher level
teams in the MCLA."
CSU's attackmen kept Lindenwood busy especially during the first
half, taking 22 shots on goal and amassing 10 points. During
the second half, Lindenwood played harder, but the Rams still
managed to take 14 more shots and score seven more goals.
Lindenwood's frustration was evident by the nine penalties received
during the game, giving the Rams seven minutes to take advantage of
extra man opportunities during which they scored five points.
The Rams didn't just win on the score board Friday night, they
dominated in many aspects of the game, minimizing turnovers,
clearing the ball 25 percent more often than the Lions, and
recovering almost twice as many ground balls.
"Friday was a good example of the type of team we can be when we
get all phases of the game working together," said Smith. "We can't
be a team that is only good in one or two aspects. We took a
good step forwards to being a top level team."
CSU continued to shine against Texas, which was a strong
competitor.
"They had a few very good players, and they play with fight and
resolve I had never witnessed in the many times we have played them
over the years," said co-head Coach Flip Naumburg.
While CSU took twice as many shots on goal, recovered 46 ground
balls, and won the majority of face-offs, Texas was a strong
opponent.
The Longhorns kept the intensity high throughout the game. While
the Rams dominated many technical aspects of the game, the score
was close - 7-5 at the end of the third quarter with the Rams
hanging onto the lead.
"I was very proud of the way we responded to a talented and fresh
Texas team Saturday. They had a bounce in their step early
and it took some resolve for us to bounce back and control the last
three quarters the way we did," said Smith.
But a little more than halfway through the final quarter CSU's
attackmen secured the win, scoring five goals.
"We wanted this game to be our championship of the weekend.
We didn't take Texas lightly at all and they didn't back down from
us," said Smith. "I think they are a great team and can make some
waves this year once they get a little healthier."
CSU men's lacrosse will have two games next week. The first will be
on Friday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m., and will be against Simon Fraser,
a team from British Columbia ranked in MCLA's top 10. The game will
be held in Highlands Ranch at Shea Stadium. The second game will be
against New Hampshire at 1:00 on Sunday, March 7.
