JCU TAKES TWO IN TOLEDO, FINSHES FALL 4-0
 
Sunday October 23-  The John Carroll's men's lacrosse team traveled to Toledo on Sunday, looking to finish the fall season on a high note with a double header against Toledo and Siena Heights. After handling winning their first 2 games of fall, the Streaks were looking forward to improved competition against CCLA conference rivals, including a Toledo team they lost to last fall 14-7.   These matches gave them a preview of the competition they will be facing in the Spring 2012 season. Sunday's back to back games were a true testament to all of the work this young John Carroll team has put in during their off season. The day resulted in a double victory for the Blue Streaks even with absence of their offensive scoring leader Ryan Cox.
In their first game the Blue Streaks walked away with a 7-5 victory against the Division 1 University of Toledo. The game started out slowly for JCU as they spotted a deep Toledo team a 2-0 lead, but after some crisp passing, the team tied it up 2-2 after goals by junior attackmen Chad Riley and Tommy Janowicz (2 goals on the day) and never looked back.   Throughout the game the team showed teamwork with crisp passing resulting in goals from freshman attack David Brill and junior middie Andy Seil as well as great help defense, lead by freshman Kevin Werner and Chris Smith. Other noteworthy performances came from senior middie Kevin Barker with 2 assists, freshman mid Nigel Bennett ( with a goal in his first college game) and junior keeper Andrew MacLean, who had several big saves in close in his third win of the fall.
Following a brief 15 minute respite after their victory against Toledo, the JCU team took on CCLA Division 2 rival Sienna Heights and looked to impose their will early. Sienna Heights came out ready, scoring their first goal just moments after the starting whistle, to jump ahead 1-0. That was the last time they would lead, however, as the Streaks buckled down, controlling the offensive tempo for the rest of the first half and playing stifling defense.  JCU went into halftime up 4-2, but thanks to Siena goalie and some missed opportunities, the score was closer than the actual game.  Wanted to finish the Saints off, the Streak put home 2 more in the second half, but did not have the legs to extend the lead, finishing the game playing a lot of D and holding on for a 6-4 victory.   Chad Riley led the charge with 5 goals for the win with assists from junior Tommy Janowicz (2 A) and freshman David Brill (2 A). Junior middie Brian Jaszka, contributed to the final score with a goal of his own along with stellar play in the clearing game and on defense, and sophomore Mike Burgos came up with 8 saves in his first fall victory.
If Sundays matches can predict anything it is optimism for the 2012 season. The team displayed incredible teamwork with multiple goals and assists along with great defensive work. The players displayed great discipline with only two penalties for the entire day and the team defense was much improved as JCU held their opponents to a combined 26 shots. The season may prove daunting for this young lacrosse team coming off of a .500 2011 season. However, after turning over the roster with 14 new players, including a stellar freshman class and several significant transfers, the group is coming together quickly and looks to surprise some teams this spring.  The John Carroll lacrosse team has a lot to prove and they are off to a great start.