Under stormy skies in Los Angeles County the Whittier College Poets took on the University of Southern Maine Huskies in NCAA DIII action last Friday, February 19. The Huskies had been in California all week, after going up against Chapman University on Monday and limping away in defeat (21-7).
The Chapman/Southern Maine game was essentially an exhibition game since games between MCLA and NCAA teams do not count towards any standings. However it once again opened up speculation about how well Chapman and other top tier club teams would fare against a DII or DI NCAA squad.
I’m keeping this episode short and sweet, but I hope you enjoy the video interviews. Here are some of my observations from the Whittier game:
Keep an eye on Whittier attackman Daniel McQuade (#33) . He led the team with 7 goals in the game vs SMU and was the Poets leading scorer last year with 29 goals as only a sophomore. As a whole the Poets looked confident in this game but it will probably take a couple games before they really start to gel together.
For the future, Southern Maine just needs to keep their heads in the game. Turnovers, missed passes, etc. will cost you. They were the first ones on the board but it was the last time they would have the lead all day. It wasn’t until the 4th that things started to happen for the Huskies but by then the deficit was too great. Not sure if they are going to want to come back to Cali anytime soon.
I didn’t get a chance to speak with Coach Chase after the game because the rain was coming down and everyone scattered off the field. I really wanted to speak with Coach Chase, especially since he and Coach Brian Kelly both graduated from Whittier College, 2001 and 2003, respectively.
The lime green shorts and laces that you see the players wearing is to support the HEADstrong Foundation that I reported on earlier. I WASN”T checking out their butts. The foundation was started by Nick Colleluori, who passed away from cancer in 2006.
The Poets were looking strong and had good ball movement and control but as Coach Kelly mentioned there were some things for them to tighten up. This was their 2010 opener so they still have the whole season ahead for them to get their game in place. I’m curious to see how well Whittier does this year. Any thoughts? Talk ’em out below.
Came home after the game and I was starving so I crashed and watched the ‘Cuse/Cornell championship on DVR and had a nice dinner.
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About the author: Middie D played lacrosse at BYU under the tutelage of former Head Coach Jason Lamb and Current Head Coach Matt Schneck. He now lives in God’s paradise of Southern California, more specifically Orange County. His favorite color is shocking pink, favorite food is candy corns, and likes watching telenovelas.
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