Central Michigan University
-36, 02 ASun
Furman
-75. 21 ASun
Chippewas Fall At Furman
4/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Lacrosse
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
GREENVILLE, S.C. - The crease dimension that circles the net on a lacrosse field measures at a 9-foot radius. In the middle stands a 6-foot net with a lone, fearless individual defending it, carrying just a stick that's 40 inches long.
The goalkeeping position requires someone who is mentally tough enough to withstand a plethora of pressure and accountability, as the difference between winning and losing can lie in the hands of the goalie.
That responsibility, in the case of the Central Michigan lacrosse team, has fallen in the hands of Dominique Hamman. In the first half of the Chippewas' first varsity season, the freshman has started in all eight games, recording 400-plus minutes in defending the net.
Hamman, who ranks third in the Atlantic Sun Conference in save percentage, has collected her share of battle scars when standing up to veteran programs.
Central Michigan has asked a lot from Hamman to be that anchor for the first-year varsity program.
While the Chippewas (3-6, 0-2) have notched six losses, including four straight, following their 16-11 loss Friday night to Furman, she has provided the Chippewas with a competitive edge, a component that has reached far above expectations this season.
Hamman endured another hectic evening in goal against a Furman offensive unit that prefers to use muscle when crashing the crease to finding the open attacker, as only five of the Paladins' goals were assisted.
Seeing more than 40 shots and 31 shots on goal, Hamman accounted for 15 saves.
"Dom, I think, had an outstanding outing and did everything that we could ask for and a little bit more," CMU coach Sara Tisdale said. "She was consistent and came back today and made saves that she could have, it was nice to see an improvement."
Ground balls continued to be a problem for the Chippewas. Furman finished with a 37-19 edge in that department. The Palandins also had 15 turnovers to CMU's 24, and had a 16-11 advantage in draws.
"We just lost a lot at the draw circle," Tisdale said. "We got the ball when draw-taking, but Furman was just faster than us and it showed."
CMU's Jocelyne Lemay scored five goals, giving her a team-high 24 on the season. Anna Schoonover had three goals, and Logan Halvorson added two.
"Our offense production is crazy from an efficiency standpoint," Tisdale said. "It's just a matter of improving in transition."
The Chippewas conclude play Sunday a Presbyterian, 2-10, in their final non-conference game of the season.
