Road weary and undermanned, the Fort Lewis Skyhawks Men’s Lacrosse team rolled into Cal State Fullerton in overcast weather to play the Titans. The final score of 11-5 does not do justice to the outstanding fight and determination that the young Skyhawks showed in the loss, but it does reflect the lack of discipline that resulted in almost 11 minutes of penalties, resulting in 5 man-up goals for Fullerton. Those who have been following the team should know by now that this has been an unfortunate season for the Skyhawks so far, as unexpected roster changes and injuries have left the team reeling but determined to improve in every game. To their credit, the team has done exactly that. Silver linings are still of little comfort to a Fort Lax team that finds itself at 0-5 with one game left on their spring break road trip.
Showing improved possession time and defensive intensity, the Fort found themselves behind 3-1 at the end of the first quarter, as the Titans were able to capitalize on two man-up opportunities. In the second quarter the Skyhawks showed glimpses of the team they can be, stringing together passes, turning takeaways into transition, and displaying poise, but still FLC could only manage 1 goal on 9 shots, while giving up 3 thanks to more penalty time and some bad bounces on the natural grass field. Down 6-2 at the half, the Skyhawks held their heads high, and the 15 man roster proved their “Iron Man” ability as they controlled the 3rd quarter defensively, allowing just one goal. Unfortunately, the team could only manage a single goal in the period as comeback hopes became scarce and patient offense turned into forced passes and shots. Fullerton would close out the fourth quarter with an opportunistic offense that capitalized on the gambling required by the Fort defense in a frantic effort to make up for lost time. In the end, penalties and attrition brought down the Skyhawks, but the road is not at its end, and there is still much more lax to be played this year.
Max Segal (3g), Alex Sowers (1g, 2a), and Grant Arthurs (1g, 2a, 9-6 f/0) provided the points for the Fort. Up next is Concordia University, currently ranked #7 in the MCLA DII polls. Fullerton was ranked #16 entering the game. Thanks to CSU-Fullerton for hosting us at their beautiful campus, good luck this season.
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