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Bittersweet Start

Feb. 5, 2007

The Red Raiders opened up there 2007 season to a loss against the SMU Mustangs. This now classic rivalry owned up to its reputation, and it was a hard-fought battle for both teams. The Mustangs gave Tech a great battle in the first quarter, but the Red Raiders held steadfast in their efforts and had a two-goal lead going into the second quarter.

The Red Raiders success quickly changes, however, as they allowed 6 unanswered goals in the second quarter, enabling SMU to take the lead going into halftime. With the game still well-within reach, the Red Raiders battled back in the third to close SMU's lead to two goals. Texas Tech never got any closer. Despite their best efforts, Tech was unable to overtake the Mustangs by the end of regulation, and SMU took the game, 14-10. 

Sophmore attackmen Bryce Wolf had a tremendous game, accounting for 5 goals and one assist to the Red Raider effort. Clayton Schneider and Chris Ford also put up two goals in the match. Tech's physical play kept the Mustangs in check for most of the game, but in the end, penalties and unfulfilled opportunities left the Red Raiders on the losing end of this one for their first LSA Division A-North regular season loss since 2005.   

 Sunday told a different story, however. The Red Raiders, with the bitter taste of defeat still lingering from the day before, came out with great energy and ferocity. Sophmore Goalie Landon Ludlow held the Sooners to two goals in the first half, and the boys from Oklahoma would never score again. Freshman Goalie Bart Jameson made his 2007 debut for the Red Raiders, and held the Sooners to zero goals on 9 shots from the Sooners in the second half. 

Senior Attackmen Ted Keenan lead the scoring in this one, with 5 goals and 1 assist. The Red Raider attack combined for 14 goals and three assists, with four goals stemming from blinding shots by Chris Ford and another 5 goal game from Sophmore Bryce Wolf. 

The action wasn't limited to the attack, however, as the Red Raider midfield accounted for two goals and 5 assists. Senior Midfielder Ben Brenners provided three assists and great play in transition while scoring came from Sophmore Midfielder Clayton Schneider and Freshman Midfielder Caleb Callahan, his first of the year. Clayton Schneider also showed near flawless play on faceoffs, winning all but one.     

The Tech defensive unit wasn't without their hightlights, allowing only two goals and 14 shots for the entire game. Junior Defenseman Michael Weaver was a dominating force near the Texas Tech goal, accounting for over 14 ground balls on the day, and Junior LSM Charlie Langdon kept the OU transition game in check, with numerous impressive takeaways and great play on the clear.  

In summary, the weekend was bittersweet for the Red Raiders. Despite a unconventional loss to SMU, however, the Red Raiders showed great heart and potential which will hopefully lead them to success in the 2007 season. The 1-1 Red Raiders (1-1, LSA-North) will now venture to College Station to take on rival Texas A&M on Saturday, February 10th at 7pm.