SLU Versus Southwestern Game Notes (02 Apr 06)

SLU made the long trek down to Searcy, Arkansas on Friday night to rest up and prepare for a long weekend including three weekend games against quality opponents. SLU will play against the #16 Defending LSA Champion Southwestern squad on Saturday before taking on the #7 Defending GRLC Champion Harding squad. The team will then travel to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Tigers. Unfortunately due to injuries and other issues, SLU will be playing this weekend short-handed.

SLU started their Saturday play coming out cold against Southwestern. Southwestern slowly pulled ahead in the first quarter and never really looked back. SLU picked up a number of penalties leading to numerous man-down situations and a 6-1 deficit at the half. At the end of the third, the Bucs had secured an 11 – 3 lead. The final horn sounded with the Bucs defeated the Billikens 5 - 14. Jeff Steitz had two goals and an assist to lead all scorers. Ryan Van Dyke also had two goals complemented by Cory Van Dyke’s two assists.

The short-benched Billiken team only had a few hours to try and rehydrate and get ready to take on Harding. The Billikens simply did not have the defense necessary to challenge Harding. SLU found themselves in the cage for long periods of time and the close defense was unable to handle Harding’s attack. SLU suffered a 17-5 defeat. The lone bright spot was SLU after switching to a zone was able to slow Harding’s scoring down significantly in the third quarter until Harding’s offense adjusted forcing SLU to go back to man-to-man coverage. Cory and Ryan Van Dyke managed to earn a goal and an assist each. Jeff Steitz led all scorers with two goals and one assist. Phil Fasano had a solid game with two goals, despite an injury to his right hand.

The Billikens faced-off against the Memphis Tigers on Sunday. The squad was hoping to end a two game losing streak. SLU’s defense continued to be porous. Memphis capitalized with several goals after a SLU defender simply neglected to pick up his man. It was a back and forth game with no team leading by more than two, as both teams were able to score in bunches. SLU held a one-goal lead as the end of the fourth was approaching, but was unable to prevent Memphis from scoring in the final two minutes and sending the game to overtime. The SLU team won the face-off and gained the first possession of overtime. SLU created numerous good looks at the cage, but failed to capitalize. The Memphis Tigers were not going to let SLU of the hook. The Tigers scored on their first possession for a 12-13 victory. The Billikens did put up some impressive numbers despite the loss. Cory Van Dyke had 6 goals and 2 assists. Ryan Van Dyke had 3 goals and 1 assist. Jeff Steitz did not score a goal, but had four assists. Phil Fasano also notched two goals of his own.

SLU will play an undefeated Augustana Vikings squad and Wheaton College at the Crossover Tournament on April 22nd. The Augustana Vikings are a top 25 team.