The NMU club lacrosse team split the annual Superior Dome lacrosse tournament last weekend, defeating the Northwood University (NU) Timberwolves 13-5, but falling to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-EC) Blugolds 11-15.
An inability to defend against the fast break was a factor in the Wildcats loss to UW-EC, along with bad passes, said head coach Matt Glenn.
“We started the game off a little flat. They got up on us by a couple of goals, but we were able to make the score 4-5 by halftime,” he said.
The Wildcats were able to bring the score to a tie three times during the course of the game, but bad passes and forced scoring opportunities kept them from pulling ahead. The game against the Blugolds served as a learning opportunity, Glenn said.
“Between our two games (the coaching staff) took players aside to coach them individually. The first game we had a couple of holes,” he said.
NMU started strong in their second game against the Timberwolves, scoring four goals in the first quarter and only allowing one. The Wildcats managed to shut down the NU offense for most of the first half, limiting their time of possession and allowing NMU more offensive opportunities, Glenn said.
“We switched between our (man to man) and (zone) defenses in the game. The other team couldn’t hold onto the ball,” he said.
Glenn also said good ball movement played a role in the increased offensive production against the Timberwolves. Senior midfielder Ryan Moliassa was one of the players who put up good numbers during the tournament, Glenn said. Moliassa rejoined the roster after taking a break during the 2010 season.
“I came back this season a lot more eager to play. I’m trying to work as hard as I can with the team,” Moliassa said.
Moliassa scored twice during NMU’s first game against the Blugolds and earned one goal and two assists against the Timberwolves. According to Moliassa, speed is his greatest asset when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net.
“You can have great stick skills, but if you give the defense a chance, they’ll check you. Getting separation is important, and I like to use my speed,” he said.
The Wildcats’ underclassmen stepped up to play during the tournament, Moliassa said.
Sophomore attacker Kingsley Agassi put up a total of five goals and three assists during the course of the tournament. Agassi posted high scoring totals at last year’s tournament as well, scoring a total of 11 goals over the course of three games.
“Getting open for passes is important. I like making it easy for my teammates to pass to me. I hate when I don’t have the ball,” Agassi said.
While the loss to the Blugolds was difficult, Glenn said he is happy with his team overall. The Wildcats go on the road for their next game, playing against Davenport on March 19.
“We’re tightening down the mistakes to prepare for Davenport, but I would totally play them this weekend. I think we’ll give them a run for their money,” Glenn said.
