Saturday, the DePauw University Tigers men's lacrosse team defeated the Elmhurst College Blue Jays 14-6, recording the Tigers' first victory in program history. All but two of the 14 goals came from their two attack men, Robert Lapp and Adam Bridges. The two players, both freshmen, split the scoring load, each scoring six goals in the contest. Bridges has a 67 percent shots on goal percentage in his first two games, and added two assists to his stat line against the Blue Jays. For Lapp, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola Academy (Chicago), the six goal performance came in the first collegiate game of his career. Thanks in large part to Bridges and Lapp, the Tigers' nine goal per game average over their first two games almost triples the Tigers' 3.43 goals per game last season. For their performance, Lapp and Bridges were both named this week's Tiger of the Week. We caught up with the two before their home game against Hope College Saturday. Here's what they had to say:
TDP Sports: Last year, the team went 0-14 in its first official season. What convinced the both of you to give the program a chance?
Adam Bridges (AB): I think it's the academics that drew me to come here. The opportunity to take part in the begging of [the lacrosse program] also intrigued me.
Robert Lapp (RL): I committed here because I fell in love with this school. Playing lacrosse was just a bonus, but I realized our talent from day one.
TDP Sports: In only the second game of the season, you both scored six goals. Did that change your expectations at all moving forward this season? What are your expectations?
AB: I think it changed our expectations. Getting our first win in school history was a big deal, and it proves we can compete. We want to have a winning record this season, and we're getting ready for the better teams down the line.
RL: It didn't change my expectations much. Adam and I know people look for us to create offense, and hopefully we'll continue to have games like last Saturday.
TDP Sports: What can you say about the fan support you all have been getting thus far this season?
AB: I think it's been pretty good. We've had relatively early games, but the school's been supportive. But considering last season, it means a lot to have people come out.
RL: Our first two games, we were lucky because we had nice weather. It makes you play harder when you know people are there rooting for you.
TDP Sports: On a team made of mostly freshmen, has it been easy to step into a leadership position on the team? How has the experience been playing with student athletes in the same class as you?
AB: There are definitely gaps for us to step up in, but it's a team effort. Obviously not having expectations set, it was easy for us to dictate where our season goes.
RL: I wouldn't say it was easy, but guys look at certain people to step up. Adam and I stepped up on Saturday, and it's been nice playing with people in the same class because we're all young, and it makes a closer team bond.