On Saturday, Feb. 5th, SU hosted the SFA Lumberjacks in front of another large crowd. SFA came into the game in the lead in the northern division of LSA Div. B after impressive wins the previous weekend over conference opponent TCU and southern conference opponent UTSA.

SU had no illusions that this would be an easy game as SFA and SU have always had hard fought games, with last years 15-13 win by SU being no exception. With a possible playoff spot on the line, the team knew it had to come out and play a solid game.

That is exactly what it did. SU was able to come away with the 9- 6 win and more importantly win its first conference game of the year.

The game started out with a two quick scores by Gainey, who again led the team in points for the day. SU controlled the first quarter and had many offensive opportunities, despite a sub-par offensive performance by the entire team. By the end of 1, SU led 3-0. The 2nd quarter belonged to SFA, as they came back with two goals of their own before SU notched another one right before half to take a half-time lead of 4-2.

After half-time, SU and its offense woke up, putting in 4 unanswered goals, the last by Weldon, the first of his career, before SFA answered with one right before the end of the third.

SU took its biggest lead of the game at 9-3 with 12 minutes remaining in the game off a rebound shot by Wersonske in front of the goal, before SFA decided to make the game a little closer than it should have been. SFA scored three quick goals, the last coming at the 4 minute mark to bring the score to 9-6, before SU shut the door for the final.

Overall, the Bucs were able to control the ball much better on the offensive side in the second half, just missing many wide open opportunities.

The defense also played very well, smothering SFA and its shooters most of the game, and controlling almost every ground ball in the box. One thing the defense is going to have to learn is the value of passing the ball in transition, as at least seven times the d- men were able to clear the ball all the way to SU's offensive zone, but failed to make the pass and lost possession.

Still, Gette, Claiborn and Nelson all played exceptionally well, with Winters doing very well at long stick middie before getting an ankle injury. This was all without injured starter Matt Denton as well.

SU was able to out-hustle SFA toward the end of the game, literally beating them down on their own fast breaks. While the game was not the prettiest, it was a solid win for SU, who knew it had a tough game against TCU, another conference opponent the next day.

Bill Bowman

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