- May 12th, 2006, 10:11 am
#15005
I am leaving the Board for personal reasons but I wanted to give some updates from Plano Texas where the National Championships are taking place. I also will give updates from the NCAA Tourney in two weeks.
Best of Thursday (5/11/06) Photos
Dave Adams' pictures are up from Thursday's games at Russell Creek Park in Plano!
http://www.uslia.com/photos/2006/tourne ... index.html
Eckerd Routs UVSC 22-10 Advances to Semifinals to Take on St. John’s
Raymond Vasilas scores 12 points to set Division B Tournament Record.
Article by Rene Kozarsky
PLANO, TX - The seventh seeded Eckerd College Tritons used a nine goal second quarter run to roll over the second seeded Utah Valley State College Wolverines 22-10 and advance to the B Division semifinals. Raymond Vasilas paced the Tritons with ten goals and two assists.
UVSC opened the scoring with two goals in the first seven minutes of the game to open up a 2-0 lead.
But that would be their last lead of the day as the Tritons scored nine unanswered goals over the course of the next 20 minutes to break the game open.
The Wolverines managed to cut into the lead but Eckerd match any goals that USVC could muster and took a solid 11-6 lead into halftime.
“We didn’t expect to have a run like that. We just got on a roll and when we get on a roll we just keep going. Everyone finds their place,” explained Eckerd Head Coach Tony Collette after the game.
“We have some guys that can put the ball in the net.”
The second half saw Eckerd extend their lead to 17-7 by the end of the quarter. The flood gates remained open as Eckerd opened up a game high lead of 12 goals en route to their 22-10 quarter final victory.
“We didn’t show up to play. Eckerd was ready and came to play,” stated Utah Valley State Head Coach Kevin Perkins.
“I have never seen us play this poorly. I think we underestimated them.”
Triton senior attackman Raymond Vasilas led all scores with 10 goals and 2 assists, good enough to set MDIA Division B tournament records for goals and points in a game.
“They (the records) weren’t in the back of my mind,” stated Vasilas after the game.
“I just go out to win. I don’t really think about that kind of stuff. “
Eckerd faces St. Johns tomorrow in one of the B Division semifinals. Collette is already focusing on the Johnnies.
“I watched them play earlier. They are a very disciplined team. If we are going to come out and control the game we need to come out early and control the game like we did today.”
Oakland fends off furious Cal Poly comeback
Grizzlies end year on good note with consolation bracket win over Mustangs in Texas
Article by Emerson Stone
Plano, TX - Oakland burst out to a 5-goal first quarter lead and held on for a 10 - 9 win over Cal Poly in the Division A Consolation bracket.
During today’s game, it was obvious where the hearts of these teams are. Oakland relied on a big group of talented seniors who all contributed to an excellent game. Cal Poly’s youth and work ethic became a big advantage as the game wore on for them.
In the first half, it was all Oakland.
Excellent clearing combined with good ball movement kept the ball on offense for the Grizzlies, whose backdoor cuts and hard bounce shots overran the Mustangs’ defense.
“We started off slow,” said Mustang coach Marc Lea. “We didn’t expect the zone, but we came into the second half with some adjustments and a better effort. Thanks to our players, we made it a close game”.
Jayme Brams (1g, 1a), Joseph Opron III (2g), Matt Lindsay (2a), Nick Stensen (2g, 1a), and Ben Ingram(1a) all took part offensively for Oakland.
Senior defensemen Ed O’Leary and Paul Mikaila helped senior goalie Chris Wood hold Cal Poly to a single goal in the first half.
Towbey Kassa, a coach for the Grizzlies, was very proud of his seniors today. “They had a very good start today. The younger guys and the more experienced players did their jobs well and stayed with a very good team”.
In the first half, Cal Poly struggled to clear the ball, and only managed a handful of shots on goal. Eventually, they shook the dust off and started playing like a team at the MDIA National Championship tournament. Thanks in large part to freshman face-off man Mark Swoboda, the Mustangs were able to start finding the back of the Oakland nets.
Tim Casey had a solid outing at attack (2g, 1a) once again, providing a bright spot for the Mustangs.
“I was happy with how we played, especially down the stretch. We made some adjustments and did our best to get back in the game,” said the Senior from Encinitas, California playing in his final game for Poly.
Oakland opened the game with a six-goal run, looking very dominant and swelling with confidence. To their credit, Cal Poly never got down and were determined to stay in the game. They finished the second quarter with some light at the end of the tunnel when sophomore Matt Anderson put one buy Chris Wood.
Thanks to Swoboda’s hard work on face-offs, Cal Poly kept the ball in their sticks. By the end of the third quarter, the game had been closed to 8-7 in favor of the Grizzlies.
Unfortunately for the young Mustangs, this would be as close as they would get to Oakland. The teams would trade goals twice more with Cal Poly scoring the last goal with less than a minute to play. They managed to get it on offense, but dropped a pass as time expired as Oakland held firm for the consolation victory.
Harding gets by Calvin 8 - 7
Knights lose another heart-breaking one-goal loss at as Bison ride three-goal run into victory.
Article by Emerson Stone
Plano, TX - As play began, it was clear that neither team came to play a simple consolation game. These two young squads came with something to prove after falling short in yesterday’s opening round.
Neither team trailed by more than two goals throughout the game and Harding emerged victorious by one goal.
The game started off with a few long Calvin possessions, none of which resulted in a goal. Tony Doris made several good saves, including a one-on-one with a Calvin attackman.
JP Allen (2g) started scoring when he found some room and put a low shot by Calvin’s goalie. His strong defense and aggressive offense would be boon to the Bison’s midfield effort all game. Allen led the young group of midfielders, who at times looked confused while clearing the ball and in offensive situations.
Coach Mark Bates said that although his very young squad looked sloppy at times, “they showed a lot of determination to stay in the game and win.”
At the end of the first quarter, Harding led 2-1.
The Knights started off the 2nd quarter with two goals, one from an EMO and the other coming from a well-executed fast break. The Knights’ attack got long possessions and kept the Harding defense guessing.
At the half, things were all knotted up at 3 goals apiece.
Harding began the half with a goal at 13:47, and was quickly answered by Calvin only 90 seconds later.
Lucas Huyser-Wierenga’s aggressive play at attack set the tone for the Knights’ offense in the second half. His strong left-handed shot gave Harding a lot of trouble throughout the match.
“We have been very happy with Lucas’ production during the season, and know he will contribute as long as he is here,” said Calvin Head Coach Andy Sharp about his Freshman Attackman.
However, Harding’s zone defense picked up the pace. When paired with some stout goaltending, the score was tied 6 - 6 at the end of the third quarter.
Harding scored the tying goal after a hard ride resulted in an open look at the Calvin goal.
As the fourth quarter started, each team stepped up their intensity. Both teams played some physical defense in the final 15 minutes, hustling on every groundball.
Calvin pulled ahead by two after another hard shot from Huyser-Weirenga. The score was 8-6 with plenty of time left to play.
Harding would make good use of the remaining time, getting a good amount of possession time and capitalizing on an EMO.
With 1:17 left to play, Allen streaked down field, burying the decisive goal for the Bison.
Both of these young squads are looking forward to next year, when hopefully their young players will get another shot at nationals.
San Diego defeats Northern Colorado 14-3
Toreros roll to second straight Division B Semifinal appearance with rout of UNC Bears.
Article by Tyler Kreitz
Plano, TX - Playing in the MDIA B Division Semifinals today, The University of San Diego Toreros beat the University of Northern Colorado Bears by a resounding score of 14-3. In the process the Toreros extended their run for a second consecutive B Division title and their dominance over the MDIA’s small school division.
Led by Marshall Schulz (4g, 2a), USD displayed a high level of skill and scheme that befuddled their fired up UNC opponents.
Scoring 2 goals in the games first two minutes the Toreros raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Consistently applying hard pressure all over the field the Toreros controlled the game offensively and defensively.
The Bears, who got points from Gus Bridges (1g, 1a) and Nick Riley (2g), unfortunately “picked a bad day to have a bad game,” said UNC goalie Geoff Kaatz.
Coming out under the Colorado flag, UNC came in fired up and hitting hard. Trailing 4-1 at 6:54 in the first, the Bears had a chance to tally another goal and cut the USD lead by a third. But an errant pass picked off by Big Smoothy Torero defenseman Will Cudahy led to a goal by Schulz, and a break in the Bears resolve.
With both teams playing hard until the end the game remained intense despite the lopsided score, resulting in a few testy and competitive moments.
“We were really pumped to come out and play well,” said Schulz. “Our only goal is to repeat, and these guys made us work hard despite the score. Hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow.”
Montana Erases Two Three Goal Deficits to Advance to Semifinals over Claremont
Hall’s Last Seconds Heroics Finishes Comeback
Article by Rene Kozarsky
PLANO, TX - Some people have big games in the clutch, Montana’s Townsend Hall had a monster game. Hall netted the tying and game winning goals, scoring five in all, in the tournament’s most entertaining (Division B) game to date. Montana was down three goals at two different times in the game, only to pull out their only lead of the game at the end, when it counts.
The first quarter saw the Claremont Cougars, jump out to a 2-0 lead. Montana’s Jake Bagley was able to cut the lead in half off of nice dodge up top that also drew a late hit call against the Cougars. Claremont’s Sam Mittermiller redirected a missed shot to teammate Chatom Arkin who was camped on the crease and put in the shot quickly to up the Coogs’ lead to 3-1. Claremont held on to this lead and took the 3-1 lead into the second quarter.
“We had talked about what we wanted to do before the game started, and we made some nice plays early,” stated Claremont Head Coach Peter Ginnegar.
Claremont extended their lead to 4-1 off of an even strength goal from Chatom Arkin, even though an extra man opportunity which had just expired. The teams traded goals. The Grizz then caught on fire, scoring three straight goals to tie the contest at five apiece.
“I really didn’t need to change anything; we just weren’t playing our game. After the quarter we settled down and caught our breath,” explained Montana Head Coach Zach Krug.
The teams again traded goals. But Claremont’s David Sherer broke the tie off of a roll dodge from behind the cage to give the Cougars a 7-6 lead. Phillip Trapp extended the Claremont lead to two with left handed laser to the top right corner of the goal. But the Grizz answered again Will Freihofer cut the lead to one with 2:59 left in the quarter. The goal came off an extra man opportunity. As the Cougar penalty was about to expire, Freihofer, at the top of the box faked a pass to his left, which spun his defender, and then finished his shot from ten yards out to pull the Grizz to within in one with 2:59 left in the quarter. The period ended this way, with Claremont muscling out a one goal advantage.
The Cougars jumped out quickly, scoring two goals in the first 46 seconds of the fourth quarter to jump out to a three goal advantage. Montana’s Townsend Hall cut the lead to 10-8 with 12:18 left. Then Bagley drew a slide and found Will Volllmer open for a five yard shot which pulled the Grizz to within one with 8:12 left in the contest. The Grizz managed to get shot off on the stingy Claremont defensive, but the aggressive rides of the Montana attack led to multiple possessions in the Claremont defensive zone.
Claremont managed to gain possession, be warned for stalling and then eventually stepped out of the box and lost possession with 3:02 remaining. Hall got possession of the ball at the top of the box, rolled his defender and scored the tying goal with 2:30 left in the game.
“It started off a dead ball at midfield. I felt that I had my defender all day. My teammates cleared out and I took it. ”
Montana had two shots on the Claremont goal with shots with under two minutes but each met with no success, as Claremont keeper Alex Price was up to the task. The aggressive Montana rides paid off as the Grizz were able to again gain possession. Montana called timeout with 40 seconds in order to set up an attempt to end the game in regulation. Krug explained.
“All we were trying to do was get the right matchup-short sticks with shortsticks. We really needed to get a water break and catch our breaths.”
Montana worked the ball, not seeming to find an opening. The ball found its way to Hall, off on the left wing. Hall assessed the situation drove, beat his man underneath and finished his shot in tight for the game winner with 11 seconds left.
“I knew how much time was left. We had a middie up top, sweeping across. I tied to gage my defender so that the middies’ defender would slide to me. It tried to stay in this position. Thanks should go to the middie for bring his man over,” explained Hall.
The following faceoff was academic as the time expired without a threat.
“We made some bad mistakes late, there are a lot of plays in a game, but there were a couple in this one that really hurt us,” added Ginnegar.
Montana faces the winner of the San Diego/ Northern Colorado quarterfinal on Friday afternoon in the MDIA Division B National Semifinals.
Johnnies advance to Division B Semifinals with solid win over Tommies
Ben Ivory's posts 6 points as St. John's advance to the National Semifinals.
Article by Tyler Kreitz
Plano, TX - Playing in the MDIA B Division Semifinals today, The St Johns Johnnies defeated the St Thomas Tommies by a score of 8-7, in the process extending a school wide rivalry into lacrosse.
The game was the third matchup between the two schools this season.
Led by Junior Ben Ivory (4g, 2a), St. Johns displayed a high level of skill and desire that belied their B division status.
With the game see sawing back and forth, it came down to a nail biting finish to finish off the hard charging Tommies.
The Tommies, led by Dan Roether (2g, 2a), had chances to tie but couldn’t capitalize in the last minute. With multiple opportunities St. Thomas couldn’t penetrate the strident Johnnie defense.
Sophomore Johnnie Goalie Will Durven stayed stout in cage, denying the Tommies efforts to the goals net.
“This is our biggest rival, and a great coached team,” said Ivory. “I’m excited to get the victory and get into our first Final Four. It’s been a tough semester and this is a sweet reward.”
The reward for St. John’s is a date in the National Division B Semifinals against the Eckerd/Utah Valley State winner on Friday afternoon.
Best of Thursday (5/11/06) Photos
Dave Adams' pictures are up from Thursday's games at Russell Creek Park in Plano!
http://www.uslia.com/photos/2006/tourne ... index.html
Eckerd Routs UVSC 22-10 Advances to Semifinals to Take on St. John’s
Raymond Vasilas scores 12 points to set Division B Tournament Record.
Article by Rene Kozarsky
PLANO, TX - The seventh seeded Eckerd College Tritons used a nine goal second quarter run to roll over the second seeded Utah Valley State College Wolverines 22-10 and advance to the B Division semifinals. Raymond Vasilas paced the Tritons with ten goals and two assists.
UVSC opened the scoring with two goals in the first seven minutes of the game to open up a 2-0 lead.
But that would be their last lead of the day as the Tritons scored nine unanswered goals over the course of the next 20 minutes to break the game open.
The Wolverines managed to cut into the lead but Eckerd match any goals that USVC could muster and took a solid 11-6 lead into halftime.
“We didn’t expect to have a run like that. We just got on a roll and when we get on a roll we just keep going. Everyone finds their place,” explained Eckerd Head Coach Tony Collette after the game.
“We have some guys that can put the ball in the net.”
The second half saw Eckerd extend their lead to 17-7 by the end of the quarter. The flood gates remained open as Eckerd opened up a game high lead of 12 goals en route to their 22-10 quarter final victory.
“We didn’t show up to play. Eckerd was ready and came to play,” stated Utah Valley State Head Coach Kevin Perkins.
“I have never seen us play this poorly. I think we underestimated them.”
Triton senior attackman Raymond Vasilas led all scores with 10 goals and 2 assists, good enough to set MDIA Division B tournament records for goals and points in a game.
“They (the records) weren’t in the back of my mind,” stated Vasilas after the game.
“I just go out to win. I don’t really think about that kind of stuff. “
Eckerd faces St. Johns tomorrow in one of the B Division semifinals. Collette is already focusing on the Johnnies.
“I watched them play earlier. They are a very disciplined team. If we are going to come out and control the game we need to come out early and control the game like we did today.”
Oakland fends off furious Cal Poly comeback
Grizzlies end year on good note with consolation bracket win over Mustangs in Texas
Article by Emerson Stone
Plano, TX - Oakland burst out to a 5-goal first quarter lead and held on for a 10 - 9 win over Cal Poly in the Division A Consolation bracket.
During today’s game, it was obvious where the hearts of these teams are. Oakland relied on a big group of talented seniors who all contributed to an excellent game. Cal Poly’s youth and work ethic became a big advantage as the game wore on for them.
In the first half, it was all Oakland.
Excellent clearing combined with good ball movement kept the ball on offense for the Grizzlies, whose backdoor cuts and hard bounce shots overran the Mustangs’ defense.
“We started off slow,” said Mustang coach Marc Lea. “We didn’t expect the zone, but we came into the second half with some adjustments and a better effort. Thanks to our players, we made it a close game”.
Jayme Brams (1g, 1a), Joseph Opron III (2g), Matt Lindsay (2a), Nick Stensen (2g, 1a), and Ben Ingram(1a) all took part offensively for Oakland.
Senior defensemen Ed O’Leary and Paul Mikaila helped senior goalie Chris Wood hold Cal Poly to a single goal in the first half.
Towbey Kassa, a coach for the Grizzlies, was very proud of his seniors today. “They had a very good start today. The younger guys and the more experienced players did their jobs well and stayed with a very good team”.
In the first half, Cal Poly struggled to clear the ball, and only managed a handful of shots on goal. Eventually, they shook the dust off and started playing like a team at the MDIA National Championship tournament. Thanks in large part to freshman face-off man Mark Swoboda, the Mustangs were able to start finding the back of the Oakland nets.
Tim Casey had a solid outing at attack (2g, 1a) once again, providing a bright spot for the Mustangs.
“I was happy with how we played, especially down the stretch. We made some adjustments and did our best to get back in the game,” said the Senior from Encinitas, California playing in his final game for Poly.
Oakland opened the game with a six-goal run, looking very dominant and swelling with confidence. To their credit, Cal Poly never got down and were determined to stay in the game. They finished the second quarter with some light at the end of the tunnel when sophomore Matt Anderson put one buy Chris Wood.
Thanks to Swoboda’s hard work on face-offs, Cal Poly kept the ball in their sticks. By the end of the third quarter, the game had been closed to 8-7 in favor of the Grizzlies.
Unfortunately for the young Mustangs, this would be as close as they would get to Oakland. The teams would trade goals twice more with Cal Poly scoring the last goal with less than a minute to play. They managed to get it on offense, but dropped a pass as time expired as Oakland held firm for the consolation victory.
Harding gets by Calvin 8 - 7
Knights lose another heart-breaking one-goal loss at as Bison ride three-goal run into victory.
Article by Emerson Stone
Plano, TX - As play began, it was clear that neither team came to play a simple consolation game. These two young squads came with something to prove after falling short in yesterday’s opening round.
Neither team trailed by more than two goals throughout the game and Harding emerged victorious by one goal.
The game started off with a few long Calvin possessions, none of which resulted in a goal. Tony Doris made several good saves, including a one-on-one with a Calvin attackman.
JP Allen (2g) started scoring when he found some room and put a low shot by Calvin’s goalie. His strong defense and aggressive offense would be boon to the Bison’s midfield effort all game. Allen led the young group of midfielders, who at times looked confused while clearing the ball and in offensive situations.
Coach Mark Bates said that although his very young squad looked sloppy at times, “they showed a lot of determination to stay in the game and win.”
At the end of the first quarter, Harding led 2-1.
The Knights started off the 2nd quarter with two goals, one from an EMO and the other coming from a well-executed fast break. The Knights’ attack got long possessions and kept the Harding defense guessing.
At the half, things were all knotted up at 3 goals apiece.
Harding began the half with a goal at 13:47, and was quickly answered by Calvin only 90 seconds later.
Lucas Huyser-Wierenga’s aggressive play at attack set the tone for the Knights’ offense in the second half. His strong left-handed shot gave Harding a lot of trouble throughout the match.
“We have been very happy with Lucas’ production during the season, and know he will contribute as long as he is here,” said Calvin Head Coach Andy Sharp about his Freshman Attackman.
However, Harding’s zone defense picked up the pace. When paired with some stout goaltending, the score was tied 6 - 6 at the end of the third quarter.
Harding scored the tying goal after a hard ride resulted in an open look at the Calvin goal.
As the fourth quarter started, each team stepped up their intensity. Both teams played some physical defense in the final 15 minutes, hustling on every groundball.
Calvin pulled ahead by two after another hard shot from Huyser-Weirenga. The score was 8-6 with plenty of time left to play.
Harding would make good use of the remaining time, getting a good amount of possession time and capitalizing on an EMO.
With 1:17 left to play, Allen streaked down field, burying the decisive goal for the Bison.
Both of these young squads are looking forward to next year, when hopefully their young players will get another shot at nationals.
San Diego defeats Northern Colorado 14-3
Toreros roll to second straight Division B Semifinal appearance with rout of UNC Bears.
Article by Tyler Kreitz
Plano, TX - Playing in the MDIA B Division Semifinals today, The University of San Diego Toreros beat the University of Northern Colorado Bears by a resounding score of 14-3. In the process the Toreros extended their run for a second consecutive B Division title and their dominance over the MDIA’s small school division.
Led by Marshall Schulz (4g, 2a), USD displayed a high level of skill and scheme that befuddled their fired up UNC opponents.
Scoring 2 goals in the games first two minutes the Toreros raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Consistently applying hard pressure all over the field the Toreros controlled the game offensively and defensively.
The Bears, who got points from Gus Bridges (1g, 1a) and Nick Riley (2g), unfortunately “picked a bad day to have a bad game,” said UNC goalie Geoff Kaatz.
Coming out under the Colorado flag, UNC came in fired up and hitting hard. Trailing 4-1 at 6:54 in the first, the Bears had a chance to tally another goal and cut the USD lead by a third. But an errant pass picked off by Big Smoothy Torero defenseman Will Cudahy led to a goal by Schulz, and a break in the Bears resolve.
With both teams playing hard until the end the game remained intense despite the lopsided score, resulting in a few testy and competitive moments.
“We were really pumped to come out and play well,” said Schulz. “Our only goal is to repeat, and these guys made us work hard despite the score. Hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow.”
Montana Erases Two Three Goal Deficits to Advance to Semifinals over Claremont
Hall’s Last Seconds Heroics Finishes Comeback
Article by Rene Kozarsky
PLANO, TX - Some people have big games in the clutch, Montana’s Townsend Hall had a monster game. Hall netted the tying and game winning goals, scoring five in all, in the tournament’s most entertaining (Division B) game to date. Montana was down three goals at two different times in the game, only to pull out their only lead of the game at the end, when it counts.
The first quarter saw the Claremont Cougars, jump out to a 2-0 lead. Montana’s Jake Bagley was able to cut the lead in half off of nice dodge up top that also drew a late hit call against the Cougars. Claremont’s Sam Mittermiller redirected a missed shot to teammate Chatom Arkin who was camped on the crease and put in the shot quickly to up the Coogs’ lead to 3-1. Claremont held on to this lead and took the 3-1 lead into the second quarter.
“We had talked about what we wanted to do before the game started, and we made some nice plays early,” stated Claremont Head Coach Peter Ginnegar.
Claremont extended their lead to 4-1 off of an even strength goal from Chatom Arkin, even though an extra man opportunity which had just expired. The teams traded goals. The Grizz then caught on fire, scoring three straight goals to tie the contest at five apiece.
“I really didn’t need to change anything; we just weren’t playing our game. After the quarter we settled down and caught our breath,” explained Montana Head Coach Zach Krug.
The teams again traded goals. But Claremont’s David Sherer broke the tie off of a roll dodge from behind the cage to give the Cougars a 7-6 lead. Phillip Trapp extended the Claremont lead to two with left handed laser to the top right corner of the goal. But the Grizz answered again Will Freihofer cut the lead to one with 2:59 left in the quarter. The goal came off an extra man opportunity. As the Cougar penalty was about to expire, Freihofer, at the top of the box faked a pass to his left, which spun his defender, and then finished his shot from ten yards out to pull the Grizz to within in one with 2:59 left in the quarter. The period ended this way, with Claremont muscling out a one goal advantage.
The Cougars jumped out quickly, scoring two goals in the first 46 seconds of the fourth quarter to jump out to a three goal advantage. Montana’s Townsend Hall cut the lead to 10-8 with 12:18 left. Then Bagley drew a slide and found Will Volllmer open for a five yard shot which pulled the Grizz to within one with 8:12 left in the contest. The Grizz managed to get shot off on the stingy Claremont defensive, but the aggressive rides of the Montana attack led to multiple possessions in the Claremont defensive zone.
Claremont managed to gain possession, be warned for stalling and then eventually stepped out of the box and lost possession with 3:02 remaining. Hall got possession of the ball at the top of the box, rolled his defender and scored the tying goal with 2:30 left in the game.
“It started off a dead ball at midfield. I felt that I had my defender all day. My teammates cleared out and I took it. ”
Montana had two shots on the Claremont goal with shots with under two minutes but each met with no success, as Claremont keeper Alex Price was up to the task. The aggressive Montana rides paid off as the Grizz were able to again gain possession. Montana called timeout with 40 seconds in order to set up an attempt to end the game in regulation. Krug explained.
“All we were trying to do was get the right matchup-short sticks with shortsticks. We really needed to get a water break and catch our breaths.”
Montana worked the ball, not seeming to find an opening. The ball found its way to Hall, off on the left wing. Hall assessed the situation drove, beat his man underneath and finished his shot in tight for the game winner with 11 seconds left.
“I knew how much time was left. We had a middie up top, sweeping across. I tied to gage my defender so that the middies’ defender would slide to me. It tried to stay in this position. Thanks should go to the middie for bring his man over,” explained Hall.
The following faceoff was academic as the time expired without a threat.
“We made some bad mistakes late, there are a lot of plays in a game, but there were a couple in this one that really hurt us,” added Ginnegar.
Montana faces the winner of the San Diego/ Northern Colorado quarterfinal on Friday afternoon in the MDIA Division B National Semifinals.
Johnnies advance to Division B Semifinals with solid win over Tommies
Ben Ivory's posts 6 points as St. John's advance to the National Semifinals.
Article by Tyler Kreitz
Plano, TX - Playing in the MDIA B Division Semifinals today, The St Johns Johnnies defeated the St Thomas Tommies by a score of 8-7, in the process extending a school wide rivalry into lacrosse.
The game was the third matchup between the two schools this season.
Led by Junior Ben Ivory (4g, 2a), St. Johns displayed a high level of skill and desire that belied their B division status.
With the game see sawing back and forth, it came down to a nail biting finish to finish off the hard charging Tommies.
The Tommies, led by Dan Roether (2g, 2a), had chances to tie but couldn’t capitalize in the last minute. With multiple opportunities St. Thomas couldn’t penetrate the strident Johnnie defense.
Sophomore Johnnie Goalie Will Durven stayed stout in cage, denying the Tommies efforts to the goals net.
“This is our biggest rival, and a great coached team,” said Ivory. “I’m excited to get the victory and get into our first Final Four. It’s been a tough semester and this is a sweet reward.”
The reward for St. John’s is a date in the National Division B Semifinals against the Eckerd/Utah Valley State winner on Friday afternoon.
- By WinterIsComing
- By Ill flame
- By cruzan_flame13