I have been writing this blog for six years, now! It has been re-invented several times. From travelling Lax Dad/Coach, to the Covid Experience, to Snow Boarding and Hiking, and for the past three springs, back to Lacrosse Coach. I have loved writing these posts and sharing them with all of you. But, for this past month, as our team has struggled, it has been increasingly tough to write them – and probably tough for you to read them!

NOT THIS TIME!

Yesterday, the Molloy Lions travelled to Delaware to take on the Wilmington Wildcats, and put together enough of a complete game, to come away with a much needed, 14 – 9 Victory!

I was very concerned going into this game, as we only had one day of preparation (brief film session and then a short practice). On film, the Wildcats appeared to be a formidable opponent, with one standout performer, whose speed had me worried. I spent most of the three and a half hour bus ride, contemplating our season, to this point, hoping this game would be a turning point.

We arrived early enough, for the players to get out onto the field early, for a little extra stickwork. Once again, we went with a shorter pre-game warm up, focusing on high energy. It was a beautiful day for lacrosse, at a beautiful, off campus facility.

The teams opened up by trading a couple of goals each, and the first quarter ended with the score tied at 2. The Lions began to control the game in the next period and lead, 6 – 3, by half time. Coming out of the intermission, I was pleased with how we had played thus far, but was wary of the third quarter, which has been trouble for us, so far this year. It began well enough, as we opened up an 8 – 3 edge, midway through the third. But, by 14:27 of the final quarter, the Wildcats had evened the score at 8!

I would be lying, if I said I wasn’t worried, at that point. For the majority of the game, we appeared to be the better team. But, we have lost three times, this year to teams we thought we were better than. THIS TIME WOULD BE DIFFERENT! The Lions netted four consecutive goals and five of the final six for a BIG, 14 – 9, WIN ON THE ROAD!

I was very proud of how our team responded to their rally. The way things have gone, so far, this season, I am sure there were some doubts, at that crucial point in the game. But, they did not succumb to that. They dug deep and found the fortitude to out play the home team down the stretch. I am not sure what made this game different from the earlier games, when we came up short. If anything, I felt that Wilmington is stronger than Georgian Court, Jefferson and Southern Connecticut.

Whatever it was, we will take it! I know it is just one victory, against a Non Conference Opponent, but it really felt like a big one. Everyone seemed to be walking around a bit lighter, no longer carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders! Hopefully, this will prove to be a turning point and just the beginning of something bigger. For that to happen, we cannot forget the kind of effort and grit, that is needed to succeed.

Tomorrow, we turn the page and get back to work.

GO LIONS!