Michigan Lacrosse had to fend off an upset-minded Rutgers Scarlet Knights squad riding high after defeating Maryland last weekend. Here’s how the Wolverines got out of New Jersey victorious and set up a monster game against Ohio State next week:
The No. 14 Michigan Wolverines (7-5, 3-1 Big Ten) overcame some early turnover problems to fend off the No. 18 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-7, 2-2 Big Ten) on Sunday afternoon, 8-6.
Michigan could not clear the ball early on. Part of that was due to poor decision-making, but Rutgers did a good job forcing long poles into awkward situations over midfield and relentlessly pressuring short sticks.
However, the Wolverines cleaned up their act and finished 23-for-27 in the clearing game. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights were also turnover prone, giving the ball away 24 times, and five times on the clear.
Rutgers made plenty of ill-advised passes, but credit to the Michigan defense for keeping them uncomfortable all day long. Hunter Taylor only had to make seven saves in another stout performance between the pipes, but this one was all about the close defense.
Mason Whitney was a monster on the carpet, scooping five ground balls and causing two turnovers, one of which was a game-sealing trail check in the final minute.
Pace Billings had another excellent game, as he terrorized the Scarlet Knights at the faceoff X during ground balls, during transition as a clearer, and in 1-on-1 coverage.
Kees Van Wees and Max Bonner also had two caused turnovers, and Bonner was particularly active, taking a majority of the LSM reps over his running mate Rowan Clay.
After allowing three goals in the opening frame, the entire unit was dialed in and allowed just three goals (all by the same Rutgers attackman) over the final three quarters.
While Rowan had a quiet outing, his brother, Jackson, was a contributor on a depleted offense. With Jack Jenkins and Nick Roode once again out with injury, it was guys like Clay, Emmett Houlihan and freshman Jack Long getting more run. Clay was competent as a dodger and had a sweet dish to Ryan Cohen for an insurance goal to put the Wolverines up, 8-6.
But it was the big dogs who showed out on Sunday.
Cohen had two goals and an assist and looked unstoppable as a dodger. He had a sweet, right-handed shot that tied the game in the first quarter after working with Lukas Stanat in a two-man game on the left wing. That has been the Wolverines’ most consistent play all year, and they should continue to rely upon it down the stretch.
Bo Lockwood had a huge performance, too, with two goals and an assist, both of which were incredible finishes in tight through multiple defenders. Aidan Mulholland was also solid with two goals, operating out of his top-right office as a dodger and step-down shooter.
Alex Lobel also had a big day, netting two goals and providing Michigan with a pest around the Scarlet Knights’ crease. He collected some loose change down low for what was eventually the game-winning goal, extending the then-lead to 7-5.
Another big story was special teams. The Wolverines’ man-down unit did not allow a goal on five attempts, including a clutch 60-second kill with a one-goal lead early in the fourth quarter. The man-up unit did its job, too, recording one goal on two tries, including a Mulholland rip.
Rutgers, which was coming off a huge win against Maryland, would not go down easily. Its goalie, Cardin Stoller, is one of the best net minders in the nation and made 14 saves. Michigan did beat him on some outside shots, but it was Lockwood and Lobel inside who found the most success.
This was a tricky spot for head coach Kevin Conry’s group, having to go on the road against a hot team as the regular season winds down. But despite some sloppiness, they survived with a huge victory.
This sets up the most important game of the year with Ohio State on Saturday at 4 p.m. The two are tied for the Big Ten lead at 3-1, and the winner will earn the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
This may not be the football rivalry, but get your popcorn ready for the biggest regular season game in Michigan Lacrosse history and a chance for the Big Ten crown.