By Scott Creer
The BYU lacrosse team needed a win to re-establish itself as the team to beat in the United States Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates.
The No. 1 Cougars got what they wanted with an 18-12 victory over the No. 14 Colorado Buffaloes on March 17 at home.
BYU head coach Jason Lamb attributed the victory to improved play by his entire team.
“We just played better,” he said.
Fatigue was a major factor in the Cougars” loss last week to Cal-Berkeley, and Lamb knew he had to rest his troops during practice leading up to the game.
“I guess when we”re rested, we play better,” Lamb said.
With 13:10 left in the second period, Colorado scored a goal to tie the game at three. The Cougars took over from there.
BYU scored the last four goals of the half and took a 7-3 lead into halftime. Troy Taylor, Steve Austin and Rex Hardy paced the first half Cougar attack with two goals each.
“Our attack was shooting better,” Lamb said.
A high-scoring third quarter ended with BYU having control and the lead, 15-8.
Joining the three stars from the first half, Clint Felsted scored three goals in the second half to put the game on ice.
While the offense was putting the ball in the net, BYU”s defense was taking care of business.
Sophomore defenseman Jimmy Young had several punishing hits on the Buffaloes, disrupting Colorado”s offensive flow.
The victory puts the Cougars in a great position for the league tournament. BYU currently holds the No. 1 seed in its league, and can now control its own destiny.
Next up for the Cougars is No. 9 Texas A&M. The Aggies will play the Cougars at home on March 24 at the South Field.
