 "Photo: Adam Ottke")
Chapman scored and scored and scored again, making the Rebels wish they could scurry off back to Las Vegas. And that was the first period.
Men's lacrosse eviscerated University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), 21-4 in the season opener Friday night on Wilson Field. The Panthers didn't grant the Rebels the slightest chance to make it a game. Scoring two quick goals in the first two minutes of the game, sophomore attack Timmy Andrews was a critical player in the team's early lead.
"We executed our game plan, jumping on them fast and using our depth to wear them out throughout the game," Andrews said.
Andrews finished with three goals and an assist before he was relieved, as the younger players were given a chance to play with the big lead. Freshman attack Warren Brody led all scorers with four goals and one assist.
The Panthers came into the season off a 2011 Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC) title. Chapman crushed the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference last season and showed much of the same spark as it dismantled UNLV for 60 minutes.
Senior attack Madison Fiore was Chapman's catalyst early in the game with two big assists and a goal. Early strikes set the team's commanding tone for the entire game.
"We definitely have some work to do on the defensive end, but offensively, it was awesome to see how well we were able to put the ball in the back of the net," Fiore said. "This win definitely shows our dominance."
Chapman continuously caught Rebel players on their heels the entire night. The Panthers shut down UNLV on defense, allowing only four goals with much of the team's second string playing throughout the night.
The Chapman roster is almost double the size of UNLV's roster, and the depth proved to be a factor. Every player on Chapman's roster saw the field, which Head Coach Dallas Hartley said was important.
"We prepared well, had a good game plan and we benefited from our depth," Hartley said. "When everyone plays, it makes practice that much more competitive and everyone gets a little more confidence."
The Panther outplayed the Rebels in all aspects of the game, leading to a 13-2 halftime deficit.
Hartley was pleased with the blowout win but sees room for improvement.
"We can improve in our quality possessions," he said. "We need to end possessions with a good shot on the goal, and not have any empty possessions."
Looking forward after this game, Andrews thinks the Panthers still have their biggest challenges awaiting them.
"No. 1-ranked Brigham Young University comes in soon and they are going to be real good," Andrews said. "That will be our biggest test of the year. That is definitely the game to come watch."
The Panthers four-game home stand will continue Friday against the Santa Clara University Broncos, followed by the Brigham Young University Cougars Feb. 18. Both games begin at 7 p.m.
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