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Lone Star Raid

Mar. 28, 2011

Lone Star Raid

            This past weekend, the Oklahoma Sooners faced their first games on the road as they took on the Baylor Bears in Waco, TX and the Austin College Roos in Frisco, TX.

            There was much anticipation on the southbound bus as Baylor stood as the first true test for the Sooners since their previous loss against SMU. Oklahoma exerted control over the course of the first half through extended offensive possessions and solid defensive play; the Bears were unable to take advantage of man-up opportunities while the Sooners’ man-down unit stood strong for much of the game. In the final seconds of the half, Baylor took advantage of a defensive lapse by Oklahoma and put a goal on the board, making the score 4-1 Sooners entering the half. The goal proved to be the spark they needed as they tallied three goals in the third quarter, but the Sooners kept pace in the quarter with three goals of their own. By the final quarter, the conditioning of both teams became apparent as the Sooners were able to reestablish control over the game while maintaining a three goal lead. However, an illegal stick penalty on the Sooners gave the Bears a three-minute man-up opportunity with just under four minutes left in regulation; the man-down unit would have to stand firm again. Though they faced a difficult situation, the Sooners’ defense made enough stops to kill the penalty, allow only two goals, and leave Oklahoma with a one goal advantage entering the final seconds. With eleven seconds left to play against an energized Baylor squad, Tom Barnhart won the final faceoff and holding the ball as time ran out, sealed Oklahoma’s 8-7 win. Fellow freshman Nick Schuler led all scorers with three goals and three assists, and goalie Sean Lefton finished with a .731 save percentage.

            On Sunday, Oklahoma faced off against the Austin College Roos, an LSA Division II opponent. This game was part of a lacrosse showcase hosted by the Frisco Lacrosse Association, and the game was enjoyed by parents, recruits, and youth players alike. While the outcome of the game was never in doubt, the Sooners used this game as valuable preparation for more difficult games to follow. Nick Schuler again led all scorers with four goals and four assists en route to a 13-3 win for Oklahoma.

            Next week, Oklahoma faces another Division I road test as they will take on division rival Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX. The Sooners are currently 5-1, 3-1 within their division, and a win against the Red Raiders will all but ensure a showdown in two weeks against UNT in the home finale as both teams will seek the final playoff spot.