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5/1/2011- Lacrosse
St. Mary's stops three-game losing streak
ORCHARD LAKE – Behind the goal scoring of Chris Koski and the slick assists from Nick Parr, St. Mary’s ended a three-game losing streak by outdistancing Troy, 12-5, in non-league varsity lacrosse Saturday.
Koski had four goals to lead the Eaglets (5-5), while adding two assists, which is the best game the young junior has had in a St. Mary’s uniform.
“I am not saying Chris came of age today because that might be too strong a statement to make, but he’s certainly beginning to understand the offense after 10 games and it couldn’t come at better time,” said Greg Normand, St. Mary’s head coach. “We’ve asked a lot of Chris since Doug Boyd was lost for the season with a broken leg, but I really think some of this stuff is starting to sink in.”
The other bright spot for the Eaglets was the play of Nick Parr, St. Mary’s offensive facilitator. Parr had five assists against the Colts (3-6).
“Nick is another one beginning to understand what we want in this wide open offense,” Normand said. “In the beginning of the year, Nick thought he had to score, but we’ve asked him to pass and that’s working for us right now.”
Normand said Parr doesn’t have the physical stature (5-6, 135 pounds) right now to take the pounding usually associated with playing the X-attack position.
“Especially in this offense,” Normand said. “We were lucky enough to Ian Brambs back there the last three years and Ian weighed close to 190 pounds. We want Nick to pass more than shoot right now so he doesn’t get hurt and I think that message is finally beginning to settle in…he’s playing just as we’re asking him. He’ll get bigger and when he does, look out…..but let’s give him some time to grow.”
The Eaglets offense continues to roll as St. Mary’s scored 12 times on eight assisted goals. St. Mary’s had 39 shots and won the ground ball battle with Troy 44-29. But the high number of ground balls in recent games isn’t necessarily a good sign.
“When your ground ball numbers are up, the unforced errors are usually up…lacrosse is played in the air, and not on the ground and while I am glad we continue to beat teams on ground balls….I would like to see that number a little lower,” said Chris Brecht, St. Mary’s defensive coordinator.
The Eaglets received some offensive production from Parr and Koski as well as Garrett Anderson (two goals), Spencer McInnis (two goals) and single tallies from Sean Dupack and
Brandon Fagnani.
Defensively, Peter Miller, St. Mary’s freshman goaltender, continues to gain confidence posting his third victory of the year against three defeats.
“Day by day, Peter is getting better…and he’s only a freshman,” Normand said. “Peter needs to continue working hard and learning how to play at a higher level, but he’s a really bright kid and will do just fine as time goes along.”
The continued stingy defensive play of P.J. Walters and Paul Graham held Troy to 15 shots on the afternoon. Derek Barnard and Michael Killian continue to play a steady game for the Eaglets, according to Brecht.
“This was the best defensive game we’ve played to date and we need to play a good solid game,” Brecht said. “We have to continue to improve and I actually saw some great play from R.J. Bayne tonight and if he continues to improve that will help the defense.”
Normand said this is the time of year when game improvement has to happen daily.
“At this point in the schedule, if you’re not getting better everyday, there’s no way you’ll be playing in mid-June,” Normand said. “The guys are beginning to pick it up, assuming their roles and hopefully it begins to come together now.”
The Eaglets host Warren De La Salle Tuesday, May 3 for the Kyle Kup, a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation Research. This will be the first night home lacrosse game in St. Mary’s history. Game time is 7 pm
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