The Michigan Lacrosse team is back in business after a commanding 11-8 victory over Johns Hopkins. The Wolverines are well-positioned to make a run in the Big Ten. Here’s how it went down:
An incredible all-around effort propelled the No. 19 Michigan Wolverines (6-4, 2-0 Big Ten) to an 11-8 victory over the No. 14 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays (6-4, 0-2 Big Ten) Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor.
After enduring a tricky non-conference slate, Michigan has hit its stride in Big Ten play. This could have easily been a letdown spot after last weekend’s thrilling triple overtime victory at Maryland , but the Wolverines played one of their most complete games of the season and survived a second-half Johns Hopkins rally.
After jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, this game was all about the Wolverines.
Goaltender Hunter Taylor was everywhere, stopping 12 shots and coming up with numerous clutch saves. Every time the Blue Jays knocked on the door, Taylor responded with a big stop and kept the opponent at bay. The junior once again reminded the nation he is good enough to lead this team to Memorial Day weekend.
While the faceoff X was a problem — Nick Lauderback went 3-for-14 and Jack Rideout went 3-for-8 — Michigan was able to shut down the Blue Jays’ attack and produce quality offensive possessions.
Close pole stars like Pace Billings, Kees Van Wees and Mason Whitney were excellent and had stout individual 1-on-1 efforts. Aside from an early second-half run by the Johns Hopkins offense, the entire defensive unit was terrific in front of Taylor.
Short-stick defensive midfielders Carson Billig, Justin Ennis and Jack Marlow had quality games and were great in slide packages. Even when the defense blitzed a little too early, they had fantastic communication and draped seemingly every off-ball Blue Jay offensive player.
Alex Lobel got the party started on offense — replacing Nick Roode on the crease — with his two first-quarter goals and first career hat trick. He showed off his soft hands and quick finishes in tight, and even beat his man off a dodge for a second-quarter goal.
Ryan Cohen was not up to his usual standards due to intense pressure and attention by the Johns Hopkins defense, but still managed one goal and an assist in another quarterbacking performance.
Alpha midfielder Aidan Mulholland was phenomenal, especially with his powerful right-handed shot, as he recorded three goals and an assist. The senior also provided the Wolverines with a goal in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
If he can replicate this outing, the offense will have a devastating one-two punch with Cohen and Mulholland.
In a game of runs like lacrosse, there were a few moments where it seemed like Michigan would concede its game-long advantage. However, thanks to Taylor, a stifling defense and a meticulous offensive approach, head coach Kevin Conry’s squad was able to scrounge out a win.
Bo Lockwood looked great, too, and provided Cohen with a nice complementary creator on offense. John Morgan also had a solid day with two assists and was instrumental as a high dodger from the midfield.
Both these righties will play a big role in the coming weeks.
This win puts the Wolverines in an excellent position at 2-0 in league play. And even with a gauntlet of a remaining schedule, they have righted the ship and are well-positioned to make an NCAA Tournament run.
Much like the previous two seasons, Michigan is peaking at the right time and should find itself in the top-15 of the upcoming national rankings. Next up is a massive home date with No. 4 Penn State , and should the Wolverines survive, they will be close to a lock for an at-large bid.
Until then, Conry and his group should celebrate this triumphant victory before regrouping for more Big Ten warfare.