The Sam Houston Bearkat Lacrosse team traveled to Nacogdoches for a Saturday tilt with their longtime rival, SFA(Stephen F. Austin) Lumberjacks.
With their first full week of practice under their belts, the Bearkats were poised to continue their dominance of LSA (Lone Star Alliance) D-2. During the prior week of practice, Coach Perouty installed a new rotation to the offense that involved switching attack and midfield lines which proved to be extremely successful as the Bearkats played one of the best halves in the recent history of the program.
The Kats scored early and often as Michael Mann initiated the scoring rounding the left side of the crease burying the ball in the back of the net during the Kats first possession. After a few minutes of the first stanza ticked off the clock, the Bearkat’s EMO (extra man offense) took the field as the Lumberjacks were called for a penalty. With some swift ball movement exhibited by the EMO unit, Michael Mann found Zach Fry who launched a laser beam into the top corner of the cage from 12 yards out.
On the ensuing face-off, Tyler Tyson advanced the ball forward to Zach Fry who sprinted down the field and netted his second goal within seconds of his first tally. The goals continued to come in abundance as SHSU led at the end of the first quarter, 9-1.
Sam Houston continued to gel on offense in the second quarter as Nick Williams, Michael Mann, and Brendan Gawronski displayed their unselfish style of play netting numerous goals as a three-man unit. The Kats went into halftime leading 20-4.
Senior goalie Avery Flores held together the defense during the first half making nine spectacular, contortionist-like saves. After a halftime speech from Coach Perouty and the entry of Cameron Stout between the nets, the Bearkats were ready to start the second half. The routing of the Lumberjacks continued as multiple Bearkats hit pay dirt. Tyler Tyson, Sam Lockett, Patrick Furdon, and Wil Nielsen were among the Bearkat scorers with impressive goals in the second half. Greg Kremen also tallied a point feeding Slinky Sam Lockett near the end of the game. The Bearkats went on to win the game 27-5. Nick Williams, Sam Lockett, Wil Nielsen, Michael Mann, Brendan Gawronski, and Zach Fry all adorned hat tricks (3 goals) for the Bearkat offense.
Coach Perouty continues to successfully prepare his squad for their push towards the playoffs. His coaching methods and philosophies have helped SHSU (3-0) play some of the best lacrosse they have ever played. Perouty and the Kats play the Austin College Roos at home on Saturday, February 26th and then travel to play LSA Division 1 Baylor the following day in Waco, TX.
