KSU Lax Bye Week Report

By Tom Mudrak for KSU Lax

It is game week at the Owl’s Nest as the team gets ready to open SELC play this weekend at Reinhardt College in Waleska. The Owls had a week off after defeating Missouri State and North Dakota State in St. Louis, Missouri the previous weekend.

With the break, the Owls had the opportunity to rest and heal up for the homestretch. Captain Casey Newton looks to be at full speed come Sunday; the junior has been playing with a hip injury throughout the better part of February and March but has still managed to lead the team in goals despite the injury.

The break has also allowed the team to re-examine their offensive strategy as goal scoring has been in short supply this season. The Owls will look to ignite the offense this weekend with the addition of some fresh faces into the offense. Sophomores Bryce Mazor and Tyler Mathews will be looking to step up this weekend as the coaching staff expects them to contribute more as the season progresses.

One of the brighter spots on the field in St. Louis was at the face off X. Transfer Alex Gavilla was dominant during the road trip, winning 18 of 27 face-offs. One of the most noticeable improvements over the road trip was seen at the face off wings as chemistry has developed between Gavilla and fellow midfielders Anel Durmisevic and Justin Griffith.

Defensively, the Owls look to continue the strong play that they showed on the road trip. Midfield defense has improved dramatically over the past three weeks and as a result, the whole defense has looked solid. Goalie Andrew Flood has been exceptional in net for the Owls. The senior will be counted on to lead the defense in the coming weeks as the all-conference favorite has all season.

The Owls will be on the field on Sunday, April 1st at 2:00pm at the Reinhardt athletic complex in Waleska, Georgia. KSU fans are encouraged to drive up to support the team. This game will start a string of conference games for the Owls, including two home games against Emory and Tennessee Wesleyan the following weekends.