The undefeated BYU lacrosse team faces Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University this week where they look to continue their win-streak.
BYU continues its away games in a seven day trip to Arizona. BYU will also face the University of Arizona the beginning of next week. The two games played this week are going to challenge BYU and its spotless record.
Only a few years ago, Grand Canyon University was in the NCAA competing with some off the top teams in the nation. The Antelopes are a young team but still managed to have a record of 3–2 at this point in the season against tough programs. Their two losses come from Chapman and Cal Poly, two of the top teams in the MCLA.
“We don’t want to look past anybody,” BYU coach Matt Schneck said. “Grand Canyon is a very good team. They have a very experienced coach and a few very experienced players.”
After playing Grand Canyon, just two days later BYU faces an experienced Arizona State squad. The Sun Devils are 5–1 with their sole loss coming at the hands of Chapman when they lost by one point.
Arizona State captain Payson Clark averages almost four goals a game and leads his offense well, while sophomore Zach Handy has won almost 76 percent of his faceoffs.
“We haven’t done anything out of the ordinary in our preparation,” senior captain Mickell Walker said. “We are focusing on playing at our potential.”
This will be a physically straining week for BYU as it travels from one city to another, facing tough lacrosse teams as well as juggling school work.
“Our coaches always tell us that we need to put in a little extra effort,” freshman defenseman Rick Rose said. “It is not a matter of our fitness, but rather our mental toughness.”
BYU plays Grand Canyon University Thursday, March 14 in Phoenix at 8:00 p.m. The Cougars continue their trip in Mesa, Ariz. Saturday, March 16 where they will face Arizona State University at 1:00 p.m.
