Men's Lax Continues Slide on Break

The past two weeks have been difficult for the men's lacrosse team. They went 0-5 during that stretch, including losses in their first three conference games. Their record is a disappointing 1-6, but the team is improving with each game, despite the mounting losses.

Consistency is one of the most significant problems. They play well in spurts, but a lack of focus and steady play allows opponents to stay in the game and eventually seize the lead. Head Coach Jim Donovan is slowly implementing the defensive schemes that will allow the Yeomen to shut down opponents more effectively.

I'm all alone: A Yeoman races into the offensive zone against the College of Wooster last Saturday. (photo by Amanda Huhn)

On Mar. 22, the Yeomen traveled to Wittenberg to take on the 2-1 Tigers. The Tigers are much improved from last year's 8-6 team. Ball control was the key to the Tigers' success. They dominated the shots and ground ball categories, winning handily, 19-5.

Wittenberg started the onslaught with eight goals in the first period. They amassed 12 by halftime, bombarding Oberlin goalie sophomore David Smolev with shot after shot. The OC offense came alive in the second half, scoring five goals. The Tigers were more than up to the task, though, and countered with seven goals of their own.

Injuries were a factor for the Yeomen. Senior captain Andrew Kim injured his knee, junior midfielder Evan Kelly reinjured his shoulder and freshman midfielder Sam Bryar hurt his wrist. Sophomore attack David Rooklin led the Yeomen in scoring with two goals and one assist. Sophomore midfielder Michael Wexler added a goal and an assist of his own. Bryar and Kelly scored a goal each.

The Yeomen's next opponent was the Kenyon College Lords, who held a record of 3-0. It was a beautiful day at Dill Field, but the weather did not bring good fortune for the Yeomen. The second conference game was a lopsided victory for the Lords. The 23rd-ranked Lords had twelve different players score in a record-setting day. The out-manned OC team trailed 22-0 at halftime and 29-0 at the end of the third quarter. The Yeomen scored six times in the fourth quarter, but it was hardly enough to lessen the sting of the 33-6 drubbing. David Rooklin and freshman attack Erik Vachon led the Yeomen with three points each. Rooklin scored three goals and Vachon scored two with one assist. Mike Wexler scored the other goal.

Last Saturday, the Yeomen suffered another loss, this time to the College of Wooster Fighting Scots (1-4). The Scots jumped out to a 4-2 first quarter lead, but the Yeomen evened the score before the end of the half. A tight third quarter left the Scots with a one-goal advantage. Missed scoring opportunities prevented OC from grabbing the victory. Wooster scored four goals against Oberlin's one, which solidified the Scots' 13-9 victory.

The Yeomen played their best all-around game of the season. Wooster outshot the Yeomen 39-33, while Oberlin won 16 face-offs to Wooster's 10. Erik Vachon led the OC scoring attack with two goals and four assists. Evan Kelly had four goals and David Rooklin scored one goal and assisted on two others. The ball control was much better than the previous two games, and all but two goals were assisted. Oberlin's tighter defense was due to the new schemes designed to confuse Wooster.

On April Fool's day, the Yeomen traveled to Michigan to face the 3-5 Timberwolves of Northland University for a non-conference game. The Yeomen started quickly, earning a 2-1 advantage in the first quarter. Northland scored 12 unanswered goals in the second period, however, and took a 13-2 lead intohalftime.

In the second half, the Timberwolves put the game away with eight goals. The defense made a valiant effort, but the Northland offense was too strong. Ball movement on offense was a problem, as none of Oberlin's goals were assisted. Erik Vachon scored two, Evan Kelly scored two and Mike Wexler one.

Oberlin returned to conference play on Apr. 6, when they faced the College of Wooster (3-6). As in their first match, the game was marked by strong defense. Unfortunately, the Yeomen misfired on some good offensive opportunities. In the first quarter, the Scots took a 3-1 advantage. The second quarter was no better, as the Yeomen were shutout and allowed four goals.

In the third quarter, the Yeomen out-scored Wooster 2-1. The Scots were unfazed, though, and scored two unanswered goals in the final period. Evan Kelly, Erik Vachon and David Rooklin scored Oberlin's three goals.

Although the team has had a rough two weeks, there is still hope for the remaining games. With every game and practice, the team is getting better and Coach Donovan is able to implement more defensive plays. Eric Vachon and David Rooklin have been two bright spots on offense and Andrew Kim has been a stalwart on defense. Smolev has been solid in front of the net.

"I've been proud of the effort the team has made on the field. They haven't let big leads effect their hustle," said Coach Donovan. This Saturday, the team will face Wittenberg University on Dill field at 1:30p.m. On Tuesday, the Yeomen travel to Denison to take on the Big Red. Game time is 7:30p.m.