Lax wins big, prepares for defending D-III champs

It’s hard to overlook an opponent when a team hasn’t even started the season yet.  That’s why Rowan lacrosse made sure to start the season right before the biggest game.

With the showdown in the home opener against the Franklin and Marshall looming, the Profs opened the lacrosse season last Wednesday with a 12-10 victory at Goucher College.  Seven different Profs scored goals, led by senior attack Alayna Morris’ three.  Two of Morris’ goals came early in the first half, when the Profs built a 7-1 lead that Goucher could never overcome.

“It was really a team effort.  I was set up by my teammates, and they made me look really good, so I thank them,” Morris said.

For the most part, the first game went well for the Profs.  In her first game at midfield, junior Alli Dickey led the team with four ground balls, four draw controls and two caused turnovers.  She also added two goals.  Meanwhile, Rowan only committed 12 turnovers in the game, as opposed to Goucher’s 19.  Still, head coach Lindsay Delaney saw some things her players could improve.

“When we get tired, it’s hard not to make errors and then, at the same time, be strategic,” Delaney said.

Now with the victory under their belt, the Profs have spent the past week preparing for the showdown against the defending Division III champions.  After some first-game jitters in transition and lack of aggressiveness of defense, the Profs have focused on improving in some areas during the week-long break.

“We’re going to work on transition a lot to the defensive end.” Delaney said.

Delaney also pointed to winning draws and avoiding turnovers as keys to victory against Franklin and Marshall.

“We need to get possession, keep it down of offense, keep it our tempo and if we cannot make it a run-and-gun game, then we’ll be okay,” Delaney said.

Even if the Profs lose to Franklin and Marshall, they will hope to build upon the season-opening victory and improve as the season warms up.

“You just want to take one aspect of each game, and keep building off it,” Delaney said.

Of course, losing isn’t in the game plan.  Still, the Profs have a daunting task ahead of them and earning a victory today would mark the greatest moment in Rowan lacrosse history.

Last week, the Profs had to avoid looking ahead.  Now, the Profs have to avoid excessive hype.

“You can’t think about it like that; you’ll psyche yourself out,” said junior defender Tara Dinn.