Mens
Lax Just Shy of Win in OT Loss
by Channing Joseph
In
a seeming repeat of last weeks loss to Marietta, the Oberlin
mens lacrosse team fell to the Washington and Jefferson Presidents
in overtime, 5-4, on Wednesday. The loss dropped their record to
0-11 overall and 0-5 in the NCAC.
The game was tied 3-3 after the first half. Oberlin scored the go-ahead
goal late in the third quarter on a quick shot from the edge of
the offensive zone. But the Yeomen failed to clear the offensive
zone after a President turnover in the fourth quarter, allowing
Washington and Jefferson to strike for the tying goal and push the
game into overtime.
The Presidents put the winning goal on net at 2:33 in the overtime
period.
The teams responses to the defeat were somewhat mixed, though
rays of optimism did shine through.
I felt pretty good, sophomore Logan Hegg said. The
score didnt reflect how we played. We watched the tape, and
we saw a lot of good things. A lot of guys played with heart, and
we really worked together as a team. It was also a really nice day.
I was just glad to be outside running around.
Junior Sam Bryar expressed similar sentiment. It was a really
good effort, Bryar said. We had a lot of opportunities.
If we had converted just a few more, then we would have won. The
frustrating part of the game was that we were so close and we just
kept missing. The defense worked pretty well. So did the offense.
It was a case of lost opportunities. Not enough was clicking.
Later, Bryar said, We know were improving everyday,
for all the losses weve had. For all the injuries weve
had. There were games when we had three men injured and were playing
with nine people. Its tough. The hardest thing Ive done
in sports, probably ever.
Senior goalkeeper Dave Smolev, who is ranked second in the NCAC
in save percentage, and recently recorded his 1,000th save against
Marietta, had a slightly different outlook.
For the team as a whole, we need to take a step back and look
for something more than just going out there and winning,
he said. We need to go out there to have fun. We dont
need to expect to win the national championships because with 11
or 12 guys, its not realistic that we could do that.
Personally, Im having the best season Ive ever
had. Hopefully, my career isnt over. I was invited to a professional
combine this June. Im going to go down and hopefully I am
going to get something. I just love to be able to get out there
and keep playing.
The Yeomens next game will be an at home game against the
College of Wooster at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
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