Oregon State Entertains Chapman
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State returns to the field on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. against top ranked Chapman. OSU carries a two game winning streak into the contest after wins against Nevada and conference opponent Montana.
The Beavers have been limited in practice time the past few weeks due to finals and now spring break. Despite having a short preparation schedule leading up to the game against Nevada, the Beavers won with a commanding 13-5 victory.
Head coach Chad Stelling was pleased with his teams’ performance taking into account the short week and his players focus on their academic schedules. The off days have allowed some OSU players to recover from nagging injuries.
“Practice this week is all about getting refocused,” said Stelling. “We’re making sure we are on top of our assignments, and we have a couple of guys that are back from injury so that is a big help.”
The two game winning streak gives the Beavers some good momentum heading into their toughest test of the season. Undefeated Chapman comes to Corvallis on a 10-game winning streak and have been atop the Under Armour MCLA Coaches Poll for the past four weeks. Chapman has been one of the highest scoring teams in the nation and the Beavers have been focused on defensive assignments and limiting mistakes.
Oregon State knows they have a tough task ahead of them and Stelling reiterated how hard it will be to beat Chapman on Saturday.
“We’ve been able to watch them on tape and they are a very talented team top to bottom, and there is a reason they are ranked number one,” said Stelling. “We are going to have to play a near perfect game in order to get a win.”
The Oregon State squad relishes the opportunity to take on the top ranked team in the country. Sophomore midfielder J.R. McGlaughlin has been a key part of the Oregon State offense this year, tallying 13 goals on the season.
“We love the competition,” said McGloughlin. “These are the games we live for and I know the whole team is very excited, we want to try to show what Oregon State lacrosse is all about. That being said its going to be an extremely hard fought game but I think we are ready.”
Oregon State hosts Chapman on Saturday, March 26. The game starts at 6 p.m.