Michigan Outlasts Chapman, Advances to Championship Game
By Tim Haslam
(Photo Credit Ben Haslam)
Commerce City, Colorado (May 14,2010) – For the third straight year, No. 1 Michigan knocked No. 4 Chapman out of the MCLA National Tournament. The past two years, Michigan has beat Chapman in the final game, this year Michigan beat Chapman to advance to the Championship game and hopes to win its third straight title.
Chapman scored first just one minute into the game, however, Michigan scored four goals and didn’t allow any goals in the first quarter, giving the Wolverines a 4-1 advantage. Chapman long stick midfielder Matt Walrath scored two goals within five seconds to narrow the gap to one goal but Michigan answered with two goals of their own to bring the score to 6-3 in favor of Michigan.
Chapman and Michigan each scored one more goal before halftime but just after the halftime horn, Michigan midfielder David Rogers shot the ball at the cage which earned him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Chapman capitalized on the extra man opportunity at the start of the third quarter to bring the score to 7-5 in favor of Michigan.
Michigan went on a three goal one and widened their lead to five goals. Chapman answered right back with a three goal run of their own to cut the Michigan lead to two goals. The Chapman fans and players were confident in a comeback, but Michigan put and end to their hopes by scoring with 2:41 left in the game, giving them a four goal lead. Chapman was able to score two more goals but it wasn’t enough as the Wolverines won by the final score of 12-10.
“We had great poise on offense,” said Michigan Head Coach John Paul. “That was a huge key. We possessed the ball and we got more opportunities because of it.”
Michigan spread the wealth on offense as three players had two goals and several had one goal. Chapman was led by attackmen Andrew Clayton who had two goals and one assist. Conner Martin was face guarded by the Michigan defense, making it hard for Martin to get touches, but Martin did score two goals in the fourth quarter.
Each team rounded up 31 ground balls, but Chapman out shot Michigan 53-32.
Michigan will play Arizona State on Saturday in the MCLA Division I National Championship game at 6:30 pm.
