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Vandal Shots Week 16: Patch You Very Much

Editor’s note: The Idaho Vandals are an MCLA D1 team, competing in the Pacific Northwest Conference. Krieg Shaw, a senior midfielder, will be contributing photos on a weekly basis all season long. Check out all of the Vandal Shots photo blogs.
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After last week’s long road trip over to Oregon, a week off before another road trip down to San Diego was welcomed with open arms. No games also meant we were able to catch all the D1 games on the tube this weekend, two overtime games on Saturday and my Hoo’s holding off ‘Cuse on Sunday. What a weekend!

We came to a decision on our patches; I don’t think there was a better place to put them.


Can’t wait for March 28th on the Sprinturf, our first home game of the season.

Vandal basketball update? I’d love to. After a slightly disappointing season, we are sitting at 15-15 on the season, going 6-10 in the WAC, five of our losses being by three points or less or in OT. But the guys were able to guarantee themselves the 7th seed in the WAC tournament with two home wins now have to travel to Reno to play the 2nd place team in the WAC, UNR.

Intense dunk (Photo courtesy of Govandals.com.)

This week we are going to take a look at the defense a little more and check out the game ball recipient of last Sunday’s game vs. Portland State, sophomore net minder Blake Uphus. Also freshman defenseman/midfielder Dugan McDermott.

Pregame ritual after the midfield handshake

Blake has put up a solid 54% save percentage so far and has even snaked up 11 ground balls in our first three games. Last Sunday, Blake was one of the key contributors to holding off the Viking’s as they rallied in the second half, coming up with some very clutch saves in the waning minutes of the game.

MCLA Magazine worthy picture by Will Moss from last year

What Blake has lacked in experience with being a young goalie, he has made up for at practice with drills and a constant focus to elevate his game; working with our d-poles and becoming a bigger and bigger leader on the defense as the season progresses.

Gotta love a good face dodge

Freshman defender and midfielder Dugan McDermott has made an immediate impact on the team since his arrival in the fall, contributing both a wealth of skill and knowledge to the team. Hailing from Bainbridge Island, he started playing in the 5th grade and has taken to learning every aspect of the game that he can. Thanks to this he now has all sorts of great information and strategy to share with the team.

Dugan taking the draw this fall against Montana State

Dugan is a good example of what West Coast lacrosse has become in recent years; people actually dedicated to living and breathing lacrosse and just becoming students of the game. While being hindered by several injuries, he has still been able to help the team out wherever possible, splitting face-offs, playing man-up offense and running some pole.

Dugan clearing the ball against Portland State

Look for great things from #37 if he can keep himself healthy enough to stay on the field.

Dugan in action this fall at the Gem State Tournament

Next Friday we start our departure south for a little fun in the sun in Southern California. I’ve already heard promises of short-shorts, Hawaiian shirts and gross mustaches, so this could make for a very interesting Spring Break. I’m putting my camera at the top of my bag to make sure I don’t forget it.
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Interested in spreading the gospel for your team? Want to contribute a weekly photo blog like the Vandals? Contact info@lacrosseallstars.com for more information.