With a persistent rain shower in mid-May, couple with late winter temperatures, Oxford managed to out duel a visiting Sterling Heights squad 19-15 at Oxford Elementary School on Senior Night.
The back-and-forth contest between the Wildcats and Stallions was never finalized until Oxford scored the final tally with 1:36 left in the contest leaving the largest Oxford men’s lacrosse crowd with a bit of a smile on their faces.
‘This was one of those typically ugly games,? said Greg Normand, Oxford’s head coach. ‘The weather was bad, the opponent was really tenacious and there were times in the game when we didn’t look like we wanted to be on the field.?
Normand said part of the reason for the WIldcat’s up-and-down play in recent games is due to injury.
‘We’ve lost two of our top three scorers in the last two games and we’re asking guys who normally play a role to step up and play a bigger part and that’s not always easy. Fortunately today, we had two great games from usually ‘smaller role? guys,? Normand said.
Louie Urban, subbing for Austin Kreshock, who is out with a bad knee, scored three goals and three assists and Nathan Tilley’s five goals certainly helped the Wildcat cause.
‘With Austin out and Scott Randall sidelined, these guys really came up big to help us win our tenth game,? Normand said. ‘They are both solid lacrosse players and I am hoping this springs them lose a bit to play like that all the time.?
The other offensive factor for Oxford Thursday night was Noah Grove, who netted nine points (seven goals and two assists.)
‘This was one of those contests that went along the story line of who has the ball last will win,? Normand said. ‘We played down early and late, but in the middle, we played like we’re capable and that was the difference.?
Normand did say the weather was a contributing factor to the Wildcat’s inconsistency at times, but also warned that both teams were playing in the same conditions.
‘That’s a talented Sterling Heights team?.they have a long pole headed to Bellermine and two Canadian players who are getting Division I looks as attacks, so we were playing a really good team. Fortunately for us we have our most valuable player in Alex Schlueter busting his tail and he never lets anybody around him down nor allows his teammates to let up. To say the least, he’s invaluable.? – submitted to the Leader