Sophomore midfielder Andrew Wright (left) runs past his defender at midfield on Saturday. Wright put up one goal during the loss to Rhodes College. ZACHARY TAYLOR / THE DEPAUW
The men’s lacrosse team lost to Rhodes College 10-4 in their season opener on Saturday.
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to give up their first goal of the season, as Rhodes scored within two minutes of the opening faceoff.
Although the game was playing in Rhodes’ favor early on, the first ten minutes of the match saw great offensive opportunities for both teams.
Unable to capitalize on any offensive attack they produced in that ten minutes, the Tigers allowed Rhodes to bury another goal with just under six minutes remaining in the quarter. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Rhodes didn’t stop there, as the Lynx were able to secure one more goal with just over a minute remaining in the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Tigers were facing a mighty three goal deficit.
Despite the lack of effectiveness in the first quarter, the Tigers came out into the second quarter with newfound energy. Their lively playing style early in the second quarter allowed sophomore midfielder Andrew Wright to tally a goal within the first three minutes. This was the positive start that the Tigers needed. But it wasn't enough. The energy with which they came into the quarter did not help them net any more goals.
Rhodes continued to widen the scoring gap, adding to their lead with a score at the 4:39 minute mark. This was the last goal of the half, and the Tigers headed into the second half trailing Rhodes 4-1.
Although the deficit they faced exiting the first half was feasible to overcome, the Tigers’ third quarter performance--or lack thereof--effectively destroyed all hopes of a comeback. Rhodes scored the first goal of the second half at the 9:18 minute mark.
Within the next minute, Rhodes added on two more goals and took hold of a commanding 7-1 lead with 8:14 left to play in the quarter.
Rhodes racked up yet another goal just two minutes later. The Tigers were unable to respond. Rhodes held an 8-1 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Tigers fight back, but nowhere near the point of a comeback. Rhodes posted the first goal of the quarter within the first two minutes, but even still the Tigers did not give up. Junior midfielder Sam Alkema tallied a goal at the 8:54 minute mark of the game. The goal was followed, however, by another Rhodes goal just 36 seconds later. Freshman attackman Matthew Dauw tallied the final two goals of the game to cut into Rhodes' lead. Although the Tigers put up a small fight late in the game, they were still handed a 10-4 loss in their season opener.
Although it is early in the season and the Tigers have plenty of time to regroup, Sophomore Ben Sherman said this was not an ideal way to open the season. He explained that this is all a matter of taking their time and figuring out what works for them.
“We need to make more in game changes and that has a lot to do with being flexible with the coaches and line-mates,” Sherman said.
Head Coach Carl Haas is looking forward to the learning opportunities that this loss could foster for the team.
“We have some very passionate players on the team and the staff knows that they tried as hard as they could,” Haas said. “We'll watch the film and hope to get back to work and get ready for the next game.”
It’s a long season, and the Tigers have many chances to overcome this season opener loss. Their first shot at redemption will come this Saturday against Kalamazoo. The opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m.