Texas Off to Impressive Start
(from a Texas press release)
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas men’s lacrosse team has a great winning tradition and after two years of below average results, the Longhorns are off to one their best starts at 7-0.
The ‘Horns made the trip to Baton Rouge and continued their excellent play by defeating a very good LSU team 9-3 on Friday night. The win solidifies Texas’ hold on the top spot in the Lone Star Alliance South division. On Saturday, Texas continued its winning ways by beating an underrated Ole Miss team, 11-6.
Against LSU, the physical and disciplined Longhorn defense contained a potent LSU offense even while playing shorthanded due to injuries. Texas did a great job of limiting LSU’s offensive opportunities and Matt Meaders made nine saves in goal for the Longhorns.
“The fact that the defense plays as a unit is our biggest strength," said sophomore Brandon Ford. "If someone goes down it’s ‘Next Man Up’ and we continue to communicate and do our jobs.”
Following the weekend, the defense is allowing an average of 4.86 goals per game, which is better than 21 of the 25 teams ranked in the Under Armour MCLA Division I poll.
Saturday’s game against Ole Miss highlighted the diversity and depth of this Longhorn team. Noah Starr had three goals and one assist to spark the Longhorn offense.
“We have so many guys who can both dish the ball and finish on offense," Starr said. "This is a great offensive unit that has so many weapons. It seems like every game a different player steps up to contribute.”
A 7-0 start rivals some of the best ever starts for a Longhorn team, but Texas coach Seth Bokmeyer is keeping the team focused on the present.
“We have a 7-0 record because this team has focused and competed every day in practice," he said. "We only focus on the next opponent - that is the only thing that matters to us.”
The Longhorns host Alabama next Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Caven Lacrosse Complex at Clark Field,before taking a nearly three week break from action.