Men's lacrosse drops four despite intense coach

Men's lacrosse coach Jim Donovan fought for every advantage he could get against Northwood University this Wednesday. He chewed out the referees, his own players, and even the scorer's table, but to no avail.

The Yeomen dropped their fourth game of the season, 16-5 to the Northwood Northmen. This capped off a series of losses, including a 13-3 loss to St. Vincent College on March 13, a 20-3 loss to Wittenberg University on March 21, and a difficult 11-9 loss to the College of Wooster last Sunday.

Donovan coached with a fierce intensity on Wednesday. He challenged the referees, but he knew his limits. Donovan showed enough restraint not to anger the referees, and yet conveyed his point with a sharp edge. "I am very passionate about what I do," said Donovan.

His criticisms paid off in the third quarter after he had a lengthy half-time conference with the officials. Northwood received a rash of penalties, and Oberlin made a run for the victory.

Down 6-2, senior Sam Krasnow spurred his teammates on with a menacing bull-charge towards Northwood's goal. Krasnow plowed through the Northmen's defense, and not only scored a goal, but drew a penalty.

First-year Daniel Kimmel said, "I have really got a lot of respect for the guy. He really wants to win."

As team captain, Krasnow tried to inspire his teammates after the goal. Pumping his fists in the air, he released a war cry worthy of the mightiest titan, demanding victory for his teammates.

Oberlin received a burst of energy after Krasnow's goal. Under Donovan and Krasnow's leadership, Oberlin trimmed Northwood's lead to 6-5. Northwood could feel the Yeomen breathing down their necks, and it appeared that Oberlin would chase the Northmen back into their team bus for their first win of the season.

Krasnow said, "I was very enthused with our team's energy level. About the fact that we were 11 guys trying to be 20."

Unfortunately, Oberlin could not keep up their pressure on the Northmen. Northwood settled down and scored seven goals against the youthful Oberlin squad in the third quarter. Krasnow finished the game with five goals, including a last second tally with the contest already decided."

"He's always intense the whole ball game. Sam epitomizes athletics. He played as hard at the beginning as he did at the end," said Donovan.

Oberlin has not exactly been a pushover this season. On Sunday the Yeomen fought Wooster to the bitter end. Junior Matt Jensen had an epic game, ripping up Wooster for four goals and two assists.

"With Matt, I've definitely got teammates I can depend on," said Krasnow. Oberlin again played well, but only in spurts. Senior Scott Sheppard said, "If our team could play consistently throughout, we could win a lot of games."

Sheppard had a big game against Wittenberg. He chalked up 28 saves in the loss, but also surrendered 20 goals. Donovan said, "He made some great one-on-one saves."

Injuries and depth have hurt the Yeomen thus far. Sophomore Ben Bernard has been unable to play, due to a broken thumb, and first-year Jason Edwards has a stress fracture in his foot and won't see much action until mid-April. Even with Bernard and Edwards, the team has a 16 man roster, which is tiny compared to some of the 40 man teams that they will encounter this spring.

This Saturday the Yeomen play at Marietta College. Oberlin has never lost to Marietta. "I predict a win," said Krasnow.

Double-teamed: Men's lacrosse player receives special treatment from Northwood's defense in Wednesday's 16-9 loss at home. The Yeomen have played well in spurts in the early going of the season, and hope to win one at Marietta this Saturday. Oberlin has a very young team that is sure to improve as the season progresses. (photo by Mike Kabakoff)