Southwestern opened the 2005 season with a convincing win against Division A Rice, with a final score of 10-5. SU had not played Rice over the past three years and the previous three before that, SU had come out on the losing end.

However, after a stellar scrimmage against Texas in Austin last weekend, the Bucs knew they had a special team in the making and wasted no time opening the season with a solid win that never was really in doubt.

Rice scored the first goal of the game only a few minutes into the first quarter on a wrap around from behind the crease. It was the only lead Rice would hold all day. SU did not get on the board for the season until the 3:30 mark in the first on a blistering shot by Gainey, who finished the day as the leading scorer for the Bucs. Shortly after, on an SU man up, Frank notched his first goal of the season on a rocket shot past the goalie with only 16 seconds left in the first.

SU never looked back, with freshman James Pritchett scoring the first goal of his career shortly after the 2nd stanza began on a "Pele-esque" run and shot at the goal. By the time both teams entered half, SU led 6-2, including a goal by sophomore Ian Daulton, who we expect to try and fill the shoes of Bier over the next couple of years.

The third saw SU extend its lead to a total of 10-2 before Rice notched their third goal of the day just before the quarter ended. SU did not score again, but did not need to. A couple of meaningless goals in the fourth and many line-up shifts for SU were the story of the fourth.

Overall, it was a great game for the Bucs, who have high hopes for the season after bowing out in the first round of the LSA playoffs last year. While there are a lot of players who are going to need to step up, one place where SU needs it the most is at goalie. We seem to have found a diamond in the rough in freshman Jake Dickson. Jake, never having picked up a lacrosse stick before August, has worked hard all semester and is one of the best athletes the lacrosse team has seen in years. He played like a seasoned veteran, with the help of the newly revamped, and much better d-line, shutting down Rice most of the day.

Newcomers on the D-line include Denton, Claiborn for home games, and Gette. Nelson has stepped up into the starting role, and with a d so deep, Wilson got considerable playing time as well. All did an excellent job.

Other players of note include the usual suspects like Jeffcoat and Kerr, and some newcomers to the constant playing time, such as Weldon, Wersonske, and Jones, who also notched his first of the year.

SU hosts SFA, a winner in both of their games this weekend, and TCU, back in the league after a brief two year hiatus. Both games are conference opponents and mean everything for the playoffs. The guys will have to be at mid season form to beat both teams who have tons of talent. SU beat SFA in a close game last year in Nacogdoches 15-13, and should expect nothing different from a well coached and very physical team.

We appreciate all the fans who came out to support the Bucs on opening day, and hope we can bring you out again for our double weekend home stand.

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