By Ali Williams
The BYU Lacrosse team shutout in state rival Utah State University Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2006, and claimed an 11-0 victory on South Field.
The Cougars found their winning form after a series of tough losses.
“We took a step in the right direction,” BYU head coach Jason Lamb said. “I have to give a lot of credit to Utah State. That”s the best team I”ve ever seen from them.”
BYU began their scoring at the 7:27 mark when defenseman Jordan Harris leveled a USU ball carrier at mid-field, leading directly to a BYU attack and goal by Marshall Kay.
The Cougars would continue their tough defense all night, keeping a stick on USU at all times.
“Our aggressive defense is an element of respect for Utah State that we didn”t come out and try to do any tricks,” Lamb said. “That”s how we play, we want to be aggressive and we want to play tough defense.”
Although the scoreboard showed zero goals against the Cougar defense, Lamb said his team was not where they can be.
“We were not perfect defensively,” he said. “We made a good dozen mistakes that Utah State didn”t capitalize on.”
On the other end of the field, the BYU attack was much cleaner and more efficient than in past games as well.
“All week we were working on our stick skills and trying to be confident in our passes,” BYU player Drew Shumway said. “We worked on getting our offensive flow and being more comfortable on the field.”
Lamb echoed the need for confidence in his players.
“Right now we”re playing half-way between being confident and being confused,” he said. “We just need to continue to find that groove and get real confidence. We need to know we”re good for the right reasons.”
BYU took early command of the game with three goals in each of the first three periods. They capped of the win with two goals in the fourth quarter and were able to get nearly everyone on the roster into the game.
The Cougars will take the field again Saturday, Mar. 11, 2006, against the University of Florida Gators at 6:00 p.m. on South Field.
“In Florida we are going to see a team with a lot of talent,” Lamb said. “We need to be more aggressive, more intense and take more pride in the way we play.”
(For comments, e-mail Ali Williams at )
