BYU lacrosse heads to Las Vegas for a three-game series where they will face the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Chapman and Loyola Marymount.
These will be BYU's first away games of the season and starting off with three games in three days in a long and challenging week. UNLV is undefeated in its season with three wins and have scored more than 10 goals every game. Chapman, a team from Orange County, Calif., has won two of its three games but has only allowed an average of five goals per game. Loyola Marymount, another team from California, has an unspotted record and won its last two games by four points or more.
BYU midfielder Pat Matheson runs with the ball during Friday night's game against Boise State at the North Fields. BYU faces three opponents in three days this week in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Bunker)
'The teams we are playing this week are going to be very tough, especially Chapman,' senior captain Mickell Walker said in a news release. 'Since I have been here, the Chapman game has always been intense. Last year was especially exciting with the 'immaculate deflection' and our come from behind win in the playoffs. I'm sure they will be remembering that when we play on Thursday.'
The three-day trip hopes to echo the Cougars defeat of the Boise State Broncos in a 14–5 victory in a snowy season opener on Feb. 8. Mike Fabrizio scored a remarkable four goals last game which led BYU to a 10–1 first half. Although the game started well, the Broncos put up a competitive fight in the second half scoring four more goals and only allowing four more.
BYU's games this week will push the team to a new level. The competitive second half the Broncos brought will now be repeated three times in three consecutive games.
'Three games in three days will be hard, but it's great preparation for nationals,' Walker said. 'I think that is why the coaches set it up that way. They want us to get used to playing back to back now so that we will be ready come playoff time.'
The lacrosse team will play UNLV Thursday 7:00 p.m., followed by another 7:00 p.m. game Friday against Chapman. The team will end its long week of games at 5:00 p.m. Saturday against Loyola Marymount. BYU will play these games in the Thunderbird Sports Complex in Las Vegas, Nev.