Lacrosse Looks To Build On First Win
3/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Lacrosse
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- There's a fine line between the level of flair from both Michigan and Gardner-Webb and Central Michigan has crossed both in a month's span.
While the Chippewas proved that heart can overcome inexperience in winning the first game in program history, a 16-4 decision over Gardner-Webb two weeks ago, they also took what may prove to be a necessary step when they dropped their opener to Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Facing a veteran Big Ten program in early February could end up being a blessing in disguise for a team comprising 24 freshmen and one sophomore, as the magnitude of talent among the remaining opponents on the schedule may fail to live up to what the Chippewas saw in Michigan.
That theory will be put to the test as early as Sunday when Central Michigan concludes its three-game road trip at Cincinnati (3-2), beginning at 1 p.m. CMU is scheduled to play its inaugural home game on Friday, March 11, against Delaware State.
It's been a two-week wait for the Chippewas since their win over Gardner-Webb. But during that time, the concentration in practice was to value the ball, coach Sara Tisdale said.
"We were able get a good win with a sizable lead against Gardner-Webb where we still looked to improve on unforced turnovers," she said. "If we do that against Cincinnati they'll be able to capitalize tomorrow."
Central Michigan has committed more than 40 combined turnovers in its two games. Both Michigan and Gardner-Webb have combined for just 33 turnovers, an example of what can occur for a jumpstart program in its early stages.
The Bearcats, who will play their third straight home game in a week's span, have averaged 18 turnovers a game, a result of its aggressive style of attack on offense, shooting on goal a total of 130 times for an average of 26 attempts per game. The Bearcats have scored 48 times in their five games.
"We can't allow them to gain a step around us," Tisdale said. "Also our goalkeeper to be ready, you can't assume that just because they're at a far distance from the cage that they're not going to take a shot."
CMU goalie Dominique Hamman, in 52 shots faced, has recorded 17 saves while surrendering an average of nine goals a game. She faces a Cincinnati attack that features two players that have reached the double-digit mark in points.
Megan Bell leads the Bearcats in scoring with 10 goals and five assists.
"I think Dominique and our other goalies are up for this challenge," Tisdale said. "I do think that even though it's only their third collegiate game, I feel that they have enough confidence to where it wouldn't rattle them at all."
For Central Michigan's attack, Tisdale continues to expect an unselfish style of play, which says that having a young team allows the opportunity to have more than one individual that's leading the box score.
That can also put opponents at a disadvantage of not knowing what to expect and whom to stop.
The two games have given Tisdale a peak at who on her roster has the potential to be a go-to on the field, both offensively and defensively. Sydney Wright and Summer Abdalla have combined for 10 points this season.
"Those two young ladies seem to be really growing into their own game and it's really exciting for us to watch as a staff," Tisdale said.
