Buffs and Utes Set to Kickoff Conference Games

Nick Salen; Public Relations, CU Lacrosse

SPRING LOVE IS IN THE AIR                                                                                                                    

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^nd in Boulder, Colorado. 

THUS FAR IN 2010

Just back from their road trip, Colorado seeks to continue their winning streak after leaving Missouri victorious over No. 16 Lindenwood.  Utah meanwhile has just come off a 15-8 win against Westminster at home.  They will now travel to Kittredge Field to duke it out with the Buffs and add to their 5-1 record.

BY THE NUMBERS

This week’s MCLA the Lax Mag polls reveal Colorado rose to No. 10 from No. 11 in the Top 23, however Utah remains unranked.  Also, despite Utahs’ robust victories so far, Colorado still outmatches them overall averaging greater numbers in shots per game (46-44), groundballs (36-29), and save percentage by the starting goaltenders.  CU’s Will Brown currently boasts a .604 save percentage compared to Alex Watanawekin’s .567 for Utah. 

Since 2001, Colorado has won all but one matchup against Utah, most recently being a 10-8 victory at Utah April 5^th, 2009.  Their only loss to the Utes came back in 2008 losing 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^nd 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

Mark Manning of Utah is currently a junior attackman and sits among the top ten players overall in the MCLA.  In 5 games so far, Manning has 14 goals and 14 assists and averages five to six points per game.  Even CU head coach Pete Stevenson knows number 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 attack Mike Calvert.  Offensively, the two average 4 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 8 goals in three games averaging 4 ppg as well.  Blackburn is known to find the open man, and just as easily create trouble in front of the crease by himself.  Also, you have freshman Doug Lilburne on attack, a groundball gobbler that is notorious for finding the net as well.