After collecting our first win of the season, last weekend in Delaware, we had an entire week to recover and prepare for the Penmen of Southern New Hampshire, another formidable foe. I thought practice went pretty well, as we enjoyed some warmer weather. We watched a lot of film on them and felt like we had a good handle on their tendencies. As we closed out the week of preparation, I felt good about our chances on Saturday.

It was overcast and damp, to the point of almost raining, yesterday. Not very nice, but the weather would not be a factor. I liked our warm up (we stuck with the abbreviated version, that seems to be working). Though we controlled play early, it was the Penmen who struck first and opened a 2 – 0 lead, capitalizing on our sloppiness. But, the Lions clawed back and scored the next five goals! After a Southern New Hampshire Time Out, they were able to climb back into the game, which was tied, 6 – 6 at the Half. I felt like we had let an opportunity slip away.

The second half began with the teams trading a couple of goals each before the Lady Lions took a 10 – 8 lead, just into the final quarter. We appeared to add to the lead, but had a goal disallowed due to an illegal stick. The Penmen would go on to score three goals in the final ten minutes, to win 11 – 10!

During those final ten minutes we had a number of good opportunities to score and we played a lot of good defense, despite giving up the decisive three goals. Four of the games we have lost, have been by a total of five goals! In each of those contests, we had chances to win and/or tie the score late. In all of those games, we have dominated most of the statistical categories and played high level lacrosse, for portions of the game.

We have eight games remaining, and we begin Conference Play, next Saturday in Rochester against Roberts Wesleyan. Hopefully, these tough losses in close games, have been part of a process that will have us ready to play our best during the Conference Schedule. I expect more close battles. I am hopeful that with continued hard work and preparation, we can begin to change the outcomes of such games.

GO LIONS!