The #4/#5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish lacrosse team opened its season with an emphatic win over the Detroit Mercy Titans, 24-2.  The Irish impressed in every facet of the game, and showcased their impressive roster depth.

The Stats

With a score of 24-2, it’s hard to know how to even start, but we’ll start from the back.

Goalie Liam Entenmann is credited with the start and the win, making 7 saves on 9 shot in 32 minutes of game action. Senior Chris Nelson relieved him early in the second half and saved all 6 shots he saw, and Senior Grant Petracca closed out the game saving all 3 shots he faced.

Cohen, Reynolds and Cochran started on the back line, each securing at least a ground ball and with Cohen and Reynolds adding a caused turnover each. In the defensive midfield, the list was long and distinguished, and included Schalit with 3 ground balls and Angrick with 2 caused turnovers.  Defensive names on the scoresheet included Napolitano, Delgado, Harris, Douglas, Ford, Cheng Doherty, Ramsey, Assaf, Johnson, Burgmaster, Hallenbeck, Parlette and Fedorjaka.  We simply list them all because conceding only 2 goals (and one of them a fluke) is just an exemplary team effort.

Will Lynch was excellent at faceoff, winning 11 of 16, backed up by Hagstrom’s 7 of 8.  Pat Eilers got onthe field for several draws, too.  We’ll make note of the great wing play on this unit, too.

The scoring was frequent and entertaining. Pat Kavanagh led with 4 goals and 4 assists.  Chris Kavanagh had 4 goals and 2 assists, with Jackoboice, Ricciardelli, Walker and Taylor scoring 2 goals.  Dobson was strong with a goal and 2 assists.  Barger, Fay, Gray, Buchman, McGinley, Hawkins, Doyle, Allen and Lipka all had points. For those keeping track, that’s 16 Irish with points.

The Irish were a great 24 of 25 clearing, 3 of 4 man up, and a perfect 4-0 on man down. If there was a negative on the scoresheet, the 18 turnovers was a bit untidy.

Our friends at laxreference.com calculated some impressive statistics.  Irish overwhelmed possessions 56-34, had an excellent 42.9% offensive efficiency, and an absolutely incredible 5.9% defensive efficiency.  Possession were very quick, averaging 34 seconds, with 27 seconds to first shot. The noted 41 contributing players.

The Plot

The game began with a great first leadout by new player-bagpiper Ross Burgmaster.  We were all Arden Cohen when the pipes started.

Freshman Will Lynch won the opening faceoff, and Freshman Chris Kavanagh scored the season opener for the Irish assisted by Dobson. It took a few minutes for the next Irish goal which cam from Reilly Gray, but what followed was an absolute onslaught.

Pat Kavanagh scored assisted by Chris Kavanagh, then Pat assist Chris, then Pat scored unassisted, then Pat scored again assisted by Dobson, and finally, Pat Kavanagh assisted Freshman Jeff Ricciardelli.  The boys ended the quarter up 7-0.

The pummeling continued through the second quarter with the Irish entering the half up 15-2, with the only Titans goals coming on a fluky rebound and a substitution game miscue.  Coach Corrigan substituted liberally, with 48 Irish players seeing the field.  When it was all done, the Irish were up 24-2.

Our comments

It was simply a fun game to watch. Very few first game jitters.  The boys flexed right from the opening whistle and never let up.

  • The Cohen led defense plays very tough.  It’s great to see how he has embraced leadership. Very little got through to Entenmann and the other goalies
  • This offense is wild! There’s movement, passing, fast dodging and all sorts of sniping. This may take all week to absorb. If we see this all season, look out.
  • This group of attackmen is invested in the ride. There are no free clears from this bunch.
  • The boys are confident in the middle of the field. This will be handy against tough riding teams like Virginia.
  • The faceoff unit is in good hands.  Lynch played great on debut, and Hagstrom was more than adequate in relief.  Most importantly, the wings are very strong.

It was just a fun opening game to watch from beginning to end. We’re really looking forward to seeing how the Irish can use this new offence against the very good Georgetown defense next week.

#GoIrish