by Maddie Banfield
Colorado Mesa University men’s lacrosse team came out this weekend with a scrimmage against Colorado University Boulder. Last season, the team finished strong, winning the RMAC championship. However, that was just the cherry on top to their season.
“I feel pretty confident in the way the season is shaping up right now, the guys have been working really hard this past week in particular,” head coach Vince Smith said. “They are starting to put together full practices. We got a good group of captains, they are great leaders for the team.”
“This was a great start to the season, even though it was a scrimmage, our season actually starts next weekend and we will be in California playing two games and I believe we will play just as well or even better than today,” Captain Connor Larrick said.
During their scrimmage against CU Boulder, CMU dominated leaving Buffalos extremely frustrated during the whole game. In the first half CMU continued to out play Boulder in time of possession, faceoffs, number of shots, number of saves and clears.
After the first half, CMU lead 5-1. During the last couple of minutes attacker Steve Brandenburg came in and scored.
“I think it felt great to just see the looks on everyone’s faces, to be back and playing well in our first scrimmage,” Brandenburg said.
The first half was taken over by CMU with their goaltending and clears, making the second half easy to keep the lead. CMU’s efforts kept Boulder to three goals throughout the game.
The difference between the two teams was not only seen in on the scoreboard but in the percentages. During the second half many shots were taken by CMU, letting Jake Douglas, Chad Merrick, Reece Callies and Calen Ketcham to score.
“I don’t think I had to put in as much energy in like I do in every game, our offensive played really well today and we didn’t have to do too much to get the ball in the net,” Ketcham said.
The communication skills, the timing, and the many practice hours invested by the CMU lacrosse players and staff have all paid off. At this early point of the season you can already tell Colorado Mesa Men’s Lacrosse team will have an amazing 2017 spring season.
