Goucher not panicking yet
For a team that qualified for its first NCAA tournament last year, Saturday’s season-opening 7-6 overtime loss to Washington College was a less-than-ideal beginning for Goucher.
But before Gophers fans start hyperventilating, understand that Goucher lost to the Shoremen by the same score in the last February’s season opener.
“We’re definitely not pressing the panic button yet,” coach Kyle Hannan said confidently Monday. “There were some very good things that we got out of that Washington game, and we also saw some areas that we really have to focus on and get better. But I think there are a lot of teams in our position right now. When you’re playing games in February, there are going to be some things that you need to improve on, and I think we will. I’m still excited about our group. I think we’re going to win a lot of lacrosse games this year. It’s just a matter of getting that chemistry, finding an identity and understanding who we are. The more we play, I think we’re going to be in good shape.”
The Gophers’ task doesn’t get easier with No. 12 Gettysburg scheduled to visit Beldon Field on Wednesday. The Bullets – who have made three championship final appearances, including in 2009 – are reeling from a 7-6 upset by Hampden-Sydney last Saturday.
Hannan said he’s expecting a motivated Gettysburg team on Wednesday.
“I don’t think we’re catching them at a good time,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s the old saying, ‘Pull an angry tiger by the tail.’ Hampden-Sydney just pulled an angry tiger by the tail and made them more mad. I’m sure they realize that looking forward, they play [No. 3] Salisbury on Saturday, which is a very traditional game for them, and they’re certainly going to want to go into Salisbury with some momentum. So I think that them losing on Saturday just puts more of a priority of them playing well and trying to beat Goucher.”
