Men's lacrosse blown-out by All-Americans and Lords

Tuesday's defeat at the hands of perennial Division III powerhouse Denison, 27-1 qualified as a near-death experience for the Oberlin men's lacrosse team.

Over the past two weeks, the Yeomen have been outscored 48-2 and outshot 98-15, but they have also faced some of the toughest competitors in the NCAC.

With a roster full of all-Americans, Denison is ranked seventh in the nation. "They're one of the best teams in the country -- heck --probably in the world," said captain senior David Kumpe.

Continually substituting very talented, fresh players for other very talented players, Denison's effect on the young Yeomen team can best be expressed through metaphor: they took on an impersonal, repertory quality much like waves crashing on the shore. The undermanned Yeomen began to suffer fatigue early in the contest, and their inexperience was evident.

Denison profited from excellent team speed,and Oberlin's first-year goalies were unaccustomed to the accuracy and unexpected nature of Denison's shots. "If you gave 'em [Denison] an inch, they took a mile," said captain junior Sam Krasnow.

Against the Big Red, Oberlin was able to put up 12 shots, four coming from Krasnow. The lone goal came from sophomore Greg Scranton. In comparion, Denison had 49.

On the Thursday prior to Denison, Oberlin played Kenyon College. The 21-1 defeat was especially frustrating because the Yeomen have been competitive with Kenyon's Purple Lords in the past. The Lords' defense could be appropriately described as swarming, making it difficult for Oberlin to run set plays. Captain senior Mike Brown identified two main areas in which the team needed to improve.

The defense could benefit from increased understanding of unsettled situations and the offense needs to transfer the ball better.

The play of sophomore middie Matt Jensen was a bright spot, however. Scooping up an errant Kenyon throw in the fourth quarter, Jensen beat everyone to the goal and put the ball in the back of the net. Kenyon, like Denison, took 49 shots on Oberlin's goal.

All in all, it was a frustrating week for Oberlin, "We, as a team, need to start acting and playing up the caliber to which we can play," said Brown. But the frustrating is mitigated by hope, the Yeomen are steadily improving and have already faced the best in the nation. It can only get easier.