NCAC 2021

D3 Mens Lacrosse
SouthernLaxGenius
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by SouthernLaxGenius »

grelch wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 5:47 pm Full disclosure, I am a Denison fan, and no disrespect to Kenyon at all because they beat everyone they faced. Just lamenting that Denison and OWU didn't get the rubber match.
We all knew that a third match was probably on the back burner unless OWU/Denison picked up 2 big OOC wins.

Maybe Kenyon will "shock the world" this week :?:

Even though Kenyon has yet to (ever) beat Denison, it was a 3 goal game the last time they played
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

SouthernLaxGenius wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 6:38 pm
grelch wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 5:47 pm Full disclosure, I am a Denison fan, and no disrespect to Kenyon at all because they beat everyone they faced. Just lamenting that Denison and OWU didn't get the rubber match.
We all knew that a third match was probably on the back burner unless OWU/Denison picked up 2 big OOC wins.

Maybe Kenyon will "shock the world" this week :?:

Even though Kenyon has yet to (ever) beat Denison, it was a 3 goal game the last time they played
I remember that game. It was in 2019. The Lords goalie had himself a day with 23 saves. In the end it took a gritty 5-0 4Q by Denison to secure that tough win on the road. And in 2018 Kenyon who had lost a week earlier to Denison in their regular season matchup, 25-1 - came in to Deeds Field in the NCAC semis and played a much tougher game falling this time only 14-6.

That’s why I’m on record saying the Big Red better not take Kenyon lightly and think the game is won before it’s played. They need to come out flying from the opening whistle and be prepared to play for a full 60 minutes!

I have faith this young team can get it done and will continue Denison’s run into the NCAAs.

And for the record, Denison and Kenyon have been playing each other in lacrosse since 1953 and the all time record is 73-16 Denison, despite losing to the Lords the first 13 times they played.
grelch
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by grelch »

Looking at Kenyon's roster, they certainly have drawn from some excellent high school programs. I'm looking forward to watching the game against Denison.
SouthernLaxGenius
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by SouthernLaxGenius »

Nosey Ned wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 6:58 pm
And for the record, Denison and Kenyon have been playing each other in lacrosse since 1953 and the all time record is 73-16 Denison, despite losing to the Lords the first 13 times they played.
Ned, sorry as I should have been more specific.

I meant to post since the NCAC/Tournament play began.
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

SouthernLaxGenius wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 7:48 pm
Nosey Ned wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 6:58 pm
And for the record, Denison and Kenyon have been playing each other in lacrosse since 1953 and the all time record is 73-16 Denison, despite losing to the Lords the first 13 times they played.
Ned, sorry as I should have been more specific.

I meant to post since the NCAC/Tournament play began.
No apology necessary Southern. Was for the benefit of the more casual NCAC thread reader who might not be aware of the long lineage of the NCAC.

And this will be the first NCAC Tournament Championship game since the inaugural in 2013 not being contested by Denison vs OWU. Where Denison is 5-2 with 4 straight victories.
OldWU
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by OldWU »

grelch wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 5:47 pm Full disclosure, I am a Denison fan, and no disrespect to Kenyon at all because they beat everyone they faced. Just lamenting that Denison and OWU didn't get the rubber match.
Agreed. Kenyon beat just two teams and played four division games -- Wooster and a new program in Allegheny -- to advance to the NCAC final. Wooster was a below average team this year that padded their schedule playing Allegheny four times and was also beaten by Wittenberg and Ohio Wesleyan (twice).

Kenyon cancelled a game against OWU that wouldn't have counted, but would have given them a good test. Instead they re-scheduled a game with Oberlin, a team that hadn't played all year. Their toughest game was a two-goal victory over Wittenberg in the first game of the season. They will get dump-trucked by Denison because they really haven't played a competitive game all year. I predict at least a 10-15 goal win margin by The Big Red.

Feel bad for OWU and their seniors -- they performed far beyond anyone's expectations and deserve to be in the NCAC final based upon how they performed on the field. I don't believe they have much of a chance of getting an NCAA bid with just 31 teams and only 4 at-large bids available.
SouthernLaxGenius
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by SouthernLaxGenius »

OldWU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 12:12 pm They will get dump-trucked by Denison because they really haven't played a competitive game all year. I predict at least a 10-15 goal win margin by The Big Red.
Tell us how you really feel :lol:

I know what Denison has been doing in regards to attendance this year (Limited Faculty/staff/students) but are they going to allow parents to attend the game this weekend? Even in a limited capacity? :?:
FannOLax
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by FannOLax »

OldWU wrote: Mon May 03, 2021 12:12 pm ...
Kenyon ... will get dump-trucked by Denison because they really haven't played a competitive game all year. I predict at least a 10-15 goal win margin by The Big Red.
Denison has played two competitive games, one in late march, one in early April. Yes, the Big Red will want to play all-out against Kenyon, then hopefully get to sharpen up against decent Midwestern competition before facing the traditional powers who have played tough OOC games this year. It's better than no lacrosse season at all.
FannOLax
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by FannOLax »

Kenyon's goalie is certainly impressive today (his shot-stopping more than his clearing). The longer Kenyon stay in this game...
grelch
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by grelch »

Didn't watch the game but it sounds like it was an even battle.
OldWU
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by OldWU »

Denison beats Kenyon 12-10. Score sounds closer than the game actually was, following an early 4-4 tie. Denison was up by five with 9 minutes to go, and Kenyon made a late three -goal run. Kenyon goalie Dave Metzger was the star of the game --- outstanding with 19 saves, many at point-blank range. The Big Red could have easily had another 7-10 goals.
SouthernLaxGenius
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by SouthernLaxGenius »

Denison had the edge at the X, a little more talent and more depth in the end.

No quit in the Lords (down by 5 in the 4th and didn't rollover) and proved (IMO) a number of doubters wrong.
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

grelch wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 3:01 pm Didn't watch the game but it sounds like it was an even battle.
Not really ... goalie stood on his head.... 12 saves in the 1st half alone! All stats were big Denison’s way but that all disappears with a hot goalie. Metzger has been a thorn in Denison’s side before .... he was the keeper and the reason for the previously mentioned 3 goal only win in 2019. I said the Big Red better come out strong (led 3-0) and be prepared to fight for 60 minutes, which they did. Kenyon gave them something to think about for sure .... well done Lords.

Congratulations to Denison on another NCAC Tournament Championship and another NCAA Tournament appearance. Their 5th straight for both.

Will say one thing .... 4 illegal stick penalties this year - 2 in this game! UNACCEPTABLE- clean that up boys. Very surprising for a Caravana coached team.
camskidamski
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by camskidamski »

Denison has a good thing going right now which is cool to see as they’re drawing in some quality talent as well. I could see them making a strong push in the tournament.
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

camskidamski wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 10:08 am Denison has a good thing going right now which is cool to see as they’re drawing in some quality talent as well. I could see them making a strong push in the tournament.
Just like DeepPocket, I too am a “unapologetic fan” of one team - mine is Denison. So there is nothing I’d love more than to see that “strong push” you mention, come true! But I’m also a realist and I think this particular group is truly building a foundation to be more formidable next year and beyond.

You’re absolutely right, Denison does have a good thing going on and have for several years. They have for the last 5-6 years been a top 10 team in the D3 landscape - making 5 straight NCAA Tournaments reaching 2 Quarterfinals and 1 Final Four in that span. They took the eventual National Champion, Salisbury to the limit twice, losing two 1 goal heartbreakers during that span. This on field success and exposure has led to some really talented recruiting classes that are now wearing the Big Red uniform themselves - and we’re seeing that recruiting success pay dividends this year. A quick look at their stat sheets and you’ll see that there are numerous first and second year’s not only logging significant minutes but being mainstays in the lineup. Unlike the Salisbury’s , Tufts and Lynchburg’s of this year, Denison has no 5th years at all. They have a very solid group of Seniors but these guys - aside from the Goaltender - have had to wait their turn their first couple years as the above mentioned success was done mostly by the upper class men of those years. Unlike this year, rarely did a 1st year crack the starting lineup in those years.

So again, I’m going to be rooting hard for the 2021 version and I hope they do make a strong push but I know the deeper they go they will be facing teams much more experienced and battle tested so each successive win will be as an underdog. I’m also very excited to see this team next year and beyond because if they keep developing at this rate, Denison will remain squarely on the D3 national radar for years to come.
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

Great side note to Denison’s first round matchup with Centre - Centre head coach Grant Zimmerman was on Coach Caravana’s staff before taking the Centre job. He’s a great young coach and has done a fabulous job with the Colonels. Coach Z was a big part of the Denison’s success in 2016-18. The Big Red better be prepared to face a stout defense. Can’t wait to watch this game.
Downhill Dodger
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Downhill Dodger »

Nosey Ned wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 9:21 pm Great side note to Denison’s first round matchup with Centre - Centre head coach Grant Zimmerman was on Coach Caravana’s staff before taking the Centre job. He’s a great young coach and has done a fabulous job with the Colonels. Coach Z was a big part of the Denison’s success in 2016-18. The Big Red better be prepared to face a stout defense. Can’t wait to watch this game.
After watching the Denison Kenyon game, I think the number one upset potential for round 1 is Centre beating Denison
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

Downhill Dodger wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 10:44 pm
Nosey Ned wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 9:21 pm Great side note to Denison’s first round matchup with Centre - Centre head coach Grant Zimmerman was on Coach Caravana’s staff before taking the Centre job. He’s a great young coach and has done a fabulous job with the Colonels. Coach Z was a big part of the Denison’s success in 2016-18. The Big Red better be prepared to face a stout defense. Can’t wait to watch this game.
After watching the Denison Kenyon game, I think the number one upset potential for round 1 is Centre beating Denison
If by that you mean the Kenyon goalie almost stole one and by all indications the Centre goalie is as good or better ... then yes, I agree! Coach Z will have his players ready and will have devised a GREAT defensive scheme too! And the games being played at Centre, so there's that too. Could/should be a fun one!

I hope Denison takes care of business because I'm also looking forward to the potential next day matchup against Colorado College! That could be another great one! But one at a time boys ... no looking past Centre.
GO BIG RED!!!
OldWU
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by OldWU »

All-NCAC Team announced....teams split between East and West Divisions:

https://www.northcoast.org/sports/mlax/ ... LAX_21.pdf
Nosey Ned
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Re: NCAC 2021

Post by Nosey Ned »

OldWU wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 11:25 am All-NCAC Team announced....teams split between East and West Divisions:

https://www.northcoast.org/sports/mlax/ ... LAX_21.pdf
Congratulations to all those recognized! I guess the East West format makes sense as the coaches only saw half the conference. But also takes away 2nd and 3rd team. Another Covid accommodation ... can't wait until this split conference setup is in the rearview mirror!

Denison (5) ; OWU (6) and Wittenberg (2) take the West slots. Glad to see the Big Red taking down 4 of the 5 Individual awards! New Comer of the Year AND Offensive Player of the Year award to First Year Luke Fisher. Specialist of the Year to Senior Steven Villacorta and Coach of the Year to Coach Caravana.

Fisher, a Freshman, embodies what I've been saying all year.. the Big Red have tons of young talent that played not only meaningful minutes but were major contributors. Going to be fun seeing the group grow and succeed next year and beyond!

And a particular shout out to Steven Villacorta! He was the team manager his first year... but didn't let that discourage him. He kept working hard and believing in himself. Came back and made the team his sophomore year and 2 yrs on is named the NCAC Specialist of the Year and holds the singles season highest FO% in Denison history. GREAT JOB. Well done young man!
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