The NCAA just closed on an interesting Week 3/4 in its 2014 season. Of the nine games I’m picking to cover this week, Saturday was mostly upsets while Sunday was home to four blowouts.
SATURDAY
Penn State 8
Notre Dame 7
This was such a close game all around, and I’m calling it an upset because Notre Dame has proven themselves as a strong program in past seasons. Shots were five apart (PSU 34, ND 29). Face offs were defyingly close: PSU 9-19, ND 10-19. Both teams had two man-up opportunities, each team capitalizing on one of theirs. Penn State scooped up 26 ground balls, Notre Dame 25. I believe Penn State has truly proven something about their program so far this season.
Maryland 16
Syracuse 8
Shots: MD—55; SU—32
Ground Balls: MD—36; SU—17
F/O: MD: 19-27; SU 8-27
If my knowledge of American northeast geography serves me well, I estimate a bus ride from Maryland to Syracuse is approximately 8-10 hours each way. And yet, the No. 5 Terrapins did just that to upset No. 2 Syracuse in their own house! After an OT win over Albany, Syracuse must have let some egotistical mindsets sink in or something. I love the Orange but following that performance, no words. Except that they’ll most likely have a long week of practices.
Lafayette 8
Colgate 7
The small Patriot League team held Colgate to one lousy goal the entire first half. They represented my hometown in a performance-based upset, as they were outperformed by Colgate the entire game in every facet except goals. The Leopards hang on to claim the ‘W.’
Princeton 12
Hofstra 10
The Hofstra Pride traveled off Strong Island to play Princeton at their home in New Jer-Z. Going up against an offense led by No. 1 MLL Draft pick Tom Schreiber, the Tigers opened fired on the away team. However, Hofstra responded, and fought for a tough loss after coming close. Look for the Pride to make changes for their next opponent: Fairfield.
Drexel 14
Albany 13
This was a game almost as outstanding as Albany’s loss to Syracuse. Albany is becoming an exciting team to watch this 2014 season. Both teams scored consistently throughout the game, and each had a lead scorer with four points. Drexel won the game with their face offs, winning 19-of-31 faces. Maybe that’s the Great Danes’ weak spot…
SUNDAY
Denver 14
Canisius 3
It’s a wonder how this was not a closer game…
Denver recorded 39 shots and Canisius recorded 36. Both teams scooped up 23 ground balls, and Canisius won 12-of-20 face offs. Canisius was also 10-for-10 on clears while Denver was unsuccessful on one of theirs. Denver key players: Jack Bobzien (4 G, 1 A), Erik Adamson (3 G, 1 A), Connor Pagnani, Connor Flynn, Max Planning, Harrison Archer, Sean Cannizzaro and Tyler Simmons all recorded a goal and an assist a piece.
Duke 14
Stony Brook 6
The Blue Devils outperformed Stony Brook but not by much. Duke had nine more shots, five more ground ball recoveries, 15-of-23 face offs, and four key scorers. The final score accurately reflects the battle fought. Duke Players: Josh Dionne (2 G, 1 A), Case Matheis (2 G, 2 A), Jordan Wolf (4 G, 3 A), Deemer Class (2 G, 2 A) and Kyle Keenan (2 G).
Carolina 18
Dartmouth 5
This game came down to a team that was unprepared to face a top-notch program. Both lacrosse teams are strong programs, but Dartmouth is accustomed to a weaker schedule. They did step up and show a solid performance though:
Shots: D—20; N.C.—52
Saves: D—13; N.C.—8
Ground Balls: D—26; N.C.—43
F/O: D—9-OF-27; NC—18-OF-27
North Carolina’s Joey Sankey (attack) led the team and game with seven points (3 G, 4 A).
Navy 6
Bucknell 9
Close game and well deserved by Bucknell. Both teams had 5 scorers:
Bucknell—Sean Doyle (4 G), Todd Heritage (1 G, 1 A), Kyle Shanahan (1 G), and Thomas Flibotte (2 G).
Navy—T.J. Hanzsche (1 G, 1 A), Tucker Hull (1 G, 1 A), Erik Hoffstadt (1 G), Gabe Voumard (1 G, 1 A), and Austin Heneveld (2 G).
Bucknell’s defense held tight and covered the pressure brought on by the Midshipmen. Navy’s defense was a little overwhelmed by the Bison.
Want recaps of specific games? Contact me by commenting below, on Twitter @IanNeadle or on Facebook’s In Lacrosse We Trust page!
