Photo by: Benjamin Suddendorf
Chippewa Lacrosse Rolls Past Detroit Mercy
3/7/2021 8:56:00 PM | Lacrosse
At 3-2, CMU matches best start in 6-year history of program
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – First Mid-American Conference victory and first win over a rival.
The Central Michigan lacrosse team exploded to its best offensive game of the season on Sunday, downing Detroit Mercy, 17-4, in a MAC game – the first such contest in program history – at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
It was CMU's first win over the Titans in five tries and it came two days after the Chippewas (3-2) dropped a 15-4 decision at Marquette. CMU plays host to Louisville on Friday, March 12, and Cincinnati on Sunday, March 14.
"Friday, we had a hard time just getting it going," CMU coach Sara Tisdale said. "I think we kind of got in our heads a little bit, so we knew that mentality was super important today. We came right out of the gate and played the full 60 minutes and we were able to clear the bench, which is always a good thing."
The Chippewas rode a 9-0 spurt to an 11-2 halftime lead, and then scored the first five goals of the second half to turn it into a rout. It was the season opener for Detroit Mercy. CMU finished with a dominant 37-12 advantage in shots and a 25-10 edge in shots on goal.
"We wanted to play super aggressive on both sides of the ball and just really use our athleticism to our advantage," Tisdale said. "We knew that this was Detroit's first game and they didn't have the opportunity to have a fall season at all and so we really wanted to push the pace of the game and control both sides, and we were able to execute that."
Audrey Whiteside, Tyra Prince and Natalie Karlen scored four goals apiece to lead CMU, and Amanda Hilderbrandt added three. Six Chippewas scored. Sierra Savage went 51-plus minutes in goal for CMU before giving way to Erin Owens. Savage made six saves.
The Chippewas are 3-2 for the first time since 2016, their inaugural season. That record includes a loss to No. 25 Vanderbilt and to Marquette, both on the road. Friday's opponent, Louisville, is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and is receiving votes in the national poll. Sunday's opponent, Cincinnati, is annually on CMU's schedule. The Chippewas are 1-4 all-time against the Bearcats.
"The two losses that are on our record now, Vanderbilt and Marquette, those could have easily been wins," Tisdale said. "Looking back, those games taught us a lot. Our nonconference schedule is going to get us ready for the MAC. We have the toughest strength of schedule by far, and I'll take that any day. Strong start to the season and building chemistry and building momentum, you can't ask for much more."
The Central Michigan lacrosse team exploded to its best offensive game of the season on Sunday, downing Detroit Mercy, 17-4, in a MAC game – the first such contest in program history – at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
It was CMU's first win over the Titans in five tries and it came two days after the Chippewas (3-2) dropped a 15-4 decision at Marquette. CMU plays host to Louisville on Friday, March 12, and Cincinnati on Sunday, March 14.
"Friday, we had a hard time just getting it going," CMU coach Sara Tisdale said. "I think we kind of got in our heads a little bit, so we knew that mentality was super important today. We came right out of the gate and played the full 60 minutes and we were able to clear the bench, which is always a good thing."
The Chippewas rode a 9-0 spurt to an 11-2 halftime lead, and then scored the first five goals of the second half to turn it into a rout. It was the season opener for Detroit Mercy. CMU finished with a dominant 37-12 advantage in shots and a 25-10 edge in shots on goal.
"We wanted to play super aggressive on both sides of the ball and just really use our athleticism to our advantage," Tisdale said. "We knew that this was Detroit's first game and they didn't have the opportunity to have a fall season at all and so we really wanted to push the pace of the game and control both sides, and we were able to execute that."
Audrey Whiteside, Tyra Prince and Natalie Karlen scored four goals apiece to lead CMU, and Amanda Hilderbrandt added three. Six Chippewas scored. Sierra Savage went 51-plus minutes in goal for CMU before giving way to Erin Owens. Savage made six saves.
The Chippewas are 3-2 for the first time since 2016, their inaugural season. That record includes a loss to No. 25 Vanderbilt and to Marquette, both on the road. Friday's opponent, Louisville, is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and is receiving votes in the national poll. Sunday's opponent, Cincinnati, is annually on CMU's schedule. The Chippewas are 1-4 all-time against the Bearcats.
"The two losses that are on our record now, Vanderbilt and Marquette, those could have easily been wins," Tisdale said. "Looking back, those games taught us a lot. Our nonconference schedule is going to get us ready for the MAC. We have the toughest strength of schedule by far, and I'll take that any day. Strong start to the season and building chemistry and building momentum, you can't ask for much more."
Team Stats
DET
CMU
Shots
12
37
Turnovers
27
12
Caused Turnovers
3
12
Draw Controls
14
9
Free-Position Shots
2
9
Ground Balls
16
26
Game Leaders
Players
Players Mentioned
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