FULTON, Mo. - With a final opportunity to build momentum entering Heart conference play, William Woods Men's Lacrosse hosted the Cougars of Mount Vernon Nazarene University for a game under the lights at the North Campus Athletic Complex. In a contest that would be defined by stalwart defense and exceptional goalkeeping, the Owls would drop the contest 11-4.
Despite the final result, both teams were prepared for the grueling battle from the first faceoff. The first goal was scored after six minutes of play, coming from the hands of the Cougars. MVNU would quickly jump to a 2-0 lead after another goal a minute later.
Collis Rhodes would be the attacksman to finally take the lid off of the goal for WWU, zipping a shot past the opposing keeper less than a minute into the 2nd period. After another Cougar goal,
Connor White found the back of the net by way of
Ethan NewMyer, closing the gap at 3-2. The final goal of the first half came from the stick of NewMyer, who used his body and speed to work around the defender and slip a shot past the goalie from close range. The senior became the first player to hit the 10 goal mark on the season for the Woods. Entering the break, the Owls were down just two goals.
The second half quickly turned into a different story for both teams. MVNU scored six straight goals in the 3rd and 4th periods, hitting their final tally of 11. William Woods' offense was shutout until the six minute mark in the 4th, when
Jack Brackin threw a laser into the goal from range. This would be the final score of the contest, resulting in an 11-4 loss for the Owls.
Kyle Fischer commanded the defense, causing five turnovers.
Loren Woita,
Tyler Vansant, and
Henry Mathis each caused two a piece.
Blake Cameron was a blanket on ground balls, scooping up five.
Drew Hannam won just under 50% of his faceoffs at 6-13.
The Owls' defense continues to limit opposing offenses, holding the Cougars to the lowest mark WWU has given up in a loss this season. A large part has been the goalie play.
Drew Stubblefield went all 60, saving 11 shot attempts.Â
William Woods' enters Heart of America conference play at 1-5, with their opener against St. Ambrose University on Saturday, Mar. 14th at 1 p.m. in Fulton.
