The Ohio Valley University Fighting Scots have just finished their Fall 2011 campaign, and have taken great strides on their journey towards national prestige in NCAA Division II. With the addition of the class of 2015, the Fighting Scots have been improving every time they have stepped onto South Campus Field.
Coach Anderson and Coach Struss have seen much potential from the freshman class, and great determination from the upperclassman. OVU would like to welcome the following freshman: Brennan Sopko (Attack – Hartland, MI), Jacob Bailey (Midfield – Farmington, MI), Nathan Hodgins (Attack - Windsor, Ontario), Chucky Sockwell (Defense - Austin, TX), Devonte Cook (Defense - Fairmont, WV), and a transfer from Grand Canyon University, Harley Gadomski (Goalie - Buffalo, NY). With the addition of these student-athletes, OVU looks to foster their talents on and off the field and guide them on the path to success.
The 2011 Fall campaign was a time for growth and success. On a cold, rainy, and ugly Saturday in October, they faced a talented squad from the University of Pittsburgh. The MCLA powerhouse was able to get the best of OVU, with a final score of 10-1. In terms of six-on-six, the Fighting Scots excelled and were very competitive with Pitt. OVU came away from that game knowing what they needed to work on most – transition offense and defense.
Two weeks later, the team headed to Washington, PA to play in the Washington & Jefferson tournament which included top Division II and III schools. In their first game on the day against Thiel College, OVU played with much resiliency and determination. Nathan Hodgins (Windsor, Ontario) led the scoring in the contest with 2 goals and 1 assist. The game came down to the wire, but Thiel squeaked out a win with a final score of 4-3.
The final game of the day against Bethany College proved the talent and bright future of OVU lacrosse. Stan Mackey (Hartland, MI) dominated at the faceoff X, which resulted in a handful of fastbreak goals. With scoring spread out evenly among the offensive players, the Scots realized their potential in Division II. The defense played outstanding, limiting the Bison to 4 goals, including the game-tying goal with under a minute left to play. The game wrapped up at a 4-4 tie.
The Fighting Scots knew that they had taken great steps towards their goal in the Fall 2011, but remain hungrier than ever. They have been working hard and pushing themselves to be ready for St. Andrew's Presbyterian College on February 11th, 2012. Their hunger and determination to win will continue to push the program to the national scale – and you can bet that they have the talent and attitude to do whatever it takes to get there.
Carl Anderson
