Buffs, Utes Set to Open RMLC Conference Play
For Immediate Release—University of Colorado Lacrosse
March 19, 2010
The University of Colorado (2-1, RMLC 0-0) and the University of Utah (5-1, RMLC 0-0) will compete in the first conference matchup of the season for the RMLC Monday, March 22 in Boulder, Colo.
Just back from its St. Louis road trip, Colorado seeks to continue its winning streak after leaving Missouri victorious over No. 16 Lindenwood. Utah, meanwhile, has just come off a 15-8 win against Westminster at home. The Utes will now travel to Kittredge Field to duke it out with the Buffs while looking to add a big win to their 5-1 record.
By the Numbers
This week’s MCLA The Lax Mag polls reveal Colorado rising to No. 10 from No. 11 in the Top 23, but Utah remains unranked. Also, despite Utah’s robust victories so far, Colorado still outmatches the Utes overall, averaging greater numbers in shots per game (46-44), ground balls (36-29) and save percentage by the starting goaltenders. CU’s Will Brown currently boasts a .604 save percentage compared to Utah’s Alex Watanawekin’s .567.
Since 2001, Colorado has won all but one matchup against Utah, with the most recent being a 10-8 victory at Utah last April. The Buffs’ only loss to the Utes came back in 2008, when they lost at home 12-7.
Statistically Utah holds a mere 9-22 record in inter- conference play as of the 2004 season; Colorado, meanwhile, is 10-7 since 2001.
In any event, the numbers reveal that the matchup on March 22 should be well-heated and close, just as any conference rival game should be. Both teams have specific game plans to out play each other, including keeping an eye on a few key players.
Who to Watch
Junior attackman Mark Manning of Utah sits among the top 10 players in the MCLA in scoring (5.33 points per game). In five games so far, Manning has 14 goals and 14 assists. Even CU head coach Pete Stevenson knows No. 12 all too well:
“Mark is a special player. I had the chance to coach him at BYU when he was a freshman in 2008. We absolutely need to prepare to play against him. He does so many things well, that we will have to take away two or three of those things and hope that he can’t burn us.”
Also keep an eye on junior midfielder Danny Polityla and senior attackman Mike Calvert. Offensively, the two average four points per game for Utah and are just as easily capable of pressuring Colorado’s long poles from keeping the open man covered down low.
For Colorado, James Blackburn leads the Buffs’ scoring with eight goals in three games while averaging four points per game. Blackburn is known to find the open man and just as easily create trouble in front of the crease by himself.
Not to be forgotten in Colorado’s attack is freshman Doug Lilburne, a ground ball gobbler who is notorious for finding the net as well.
