Rearview: Monday Session One

(Photo by Lance Wendt)

by E.J. Freeman | MCLA.us

RICHMOND- The first session was all check, but only one team was comfortable throughout.

No 1. St. Thomas over No. 16 Arkansas 19-9 -  The Tommies showed why they have been the standard In Division II for the last several years.  The Tommies raced out to a 10-2 halftime lead and were able to substitute liberally in the second half.  The Tommies should be well rested for their game tomorrow.

No.1 Brigham Young over No. 16 Michigan State  13-6 -  The Cougars were a little sluggish in this one and Sparty was ready for a fight.  We have seen No.1 seeds do that before and then regain their form later in the week.  The Cougars did just enough to win without overly taxing themselves in the second.  They kept Michigan State just barely at arm’s length.

No. 2 Utah Valley over No. 15 Oregon 15-12 -  This game seemed to run in phases.  The game started with teams playing back and forth.  Utah Valley then looked like they were in control up 10-6 at halftime.   Utah Valley extended their lead a bit early in the third before Oregon went on a run of their own cutting the lead to 13-12 in the fourth quarter before Utah Valley scored the last two goals of the game.   Oregon’s zone defense gave Utah Valley some trouble as their zone offense looked a little stagnant.  That will be something to keep an eye on tomorrow.

No.2 Cal State San Marcos over No. 15 Dayton 18-9-  The Flyers put up a great fight for a half and then seemed to run out of gas.  Cal State San Marcos just had too much in the tank in the second half and ran by the Flyers in the end.