MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) lacrosse team braved through the cold weather in a nonconference matchup with Cornell College (CC). A strong offense by CC in the first half ultimately puts them over NCU with a score of 18-0 despite a stronger second half.

Game Recap

CC scored four quick goals to open up the first three minutes of the first period with NCU hot on their heels. NCU put good pressure on CC's offensive players when they were close to the goal, but the ball was able slip past NCU's goalkeeper, Braden Davenport (Portage, WI). CC went on to score six more goals ending the first period up 10-0. While CC did continue to find the back of the net, NCU's defense tightened up and applied even more pressure to CC's attackers. This defense flowed into the third period where CC only scored one goal and NCU forced nine turnovers. Each team had a total of 22 turnovers in the game. 

The second half was much better for NCU on both ends of the field. Defenders Freddy Van Tiem (Stevens Point, WI) and Chris Rasmussen (Chaska, MN, Southwest Christian High School) bodied several CC attackers to keep them from a clear shot on the goal, eventually winning the ball for NCU. Van Tiem and Rasmussen along with Keegan Gare (Lakeville, MN) and Isaac Griffin (Lakeville, MN) made many runs up the field after a succesful check, taking advantage to quickly advance the ball.

Attacker Jackson Smith (Chanhassen, MN) shot a total of 11 shots with seven on goal. Smith and fellow attacker Jaydon Crim (Hudson, WI, Hudson High School) found themselves surrounded by many CC defenders at the mouth of the goal making it next to impossible to get a clear shot. However, NCU practiced patience and possession as the game went on, moving the ball around and through the CC defenders. In the fourth period, NCU turned up the heat on CC making their goalkeeper make five saves as NCU tried to net one goal before the seconds winded down. 

NCU falls to 0-4 on the season.

Key Performers

• Jackson Smith shot 11 times with seven shots on goal.
• Recording four ground balls, Corban Entinger (Glenwood, IA) won four faceoffs as well.
• Isaac Griffin went 50% in his faceoffs recording six wins along with three ground balls.

Looking Ahead

NCU travels to Illinois for a game against MonMouth College Saturday Apr. 8 for a game time of 3 p.m. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages updates on the lacrosse team and much more information.