#CUWStatsInfo: Falcons hungry to win MLC Tournament Championship
Click here for live audio or click here for live statistics of CUW vs. Benedictine.
MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia Wisconsin failed to capture the Midwest Lacrosse Conference regular season title on its home turf last Saturday and that has made them hungrier to win the MLC Tournament Championship. The Falcons host Benedictine on Wednesday at 4 pm in a semifinal matchup at Fitting Field.
CUWFalcons.com dug through the statistics and notes from the regular season to find the most important things you should know before the postseason begins.
Wohlford stops almost everything: Freshman Garrett Wohlford is having an outstanding season and is one of the many reasons why the Falcons have the second-best defense in the MLC (goals allowed). He stopped a MLC-best 59.8 percent of the shots he faced in league play and had eight games this season with double-figures saves. The Rochester, Minn., native will need to be focused and on point to lead CUW past a tough Benedictine squad.
Taking advantage of opponent's mistakes: The Falcons have capitalized on the opposition's penalties all season, with 21 man-up goals this season (including a league-leading 13). They have a man-up score in 11-consecutive games and marked multiple in three contests. You can bet that senior Marino Best (Nanaimo, British Columbia) will get a touch when the Falcons have a man-advantage, as he has scored a team-high nine man-up goals this year.
Bundra sets the tone: Senior Danny Bundra (Lake Zurich, Ill.) has excelled during his career in the faceoff circle and this year hasn't been any different. The midfielder has been successful on 61.1 percent (162-of-265) on his chances on the faceoff and has won 15 or more faceoffs in four contests this season. If the Falcons are to advance to the MLC Tournament Championship game, Bundra will need to have success on Wednesday.
Offensive balance makes it tough: CUW is balanced on offense, which has led to their 11 victories this season, including five in MLC action. During the year seven players have recorded double-digit points, led by Best's team-high 55 (41G, 14 A). As well, senior Matt Garvey (Winnipeg, Manitoba) has 45 points (27G, 18A) and junior James Warner (Ham Lake, Minn.) accumulated 27 points (11G, 16A). A balanced offensive attack on Wednesday will frustrate Benedictine's defense.
Can history repeat itself?: The Falcons own a 4-1 all-time record against the Eagles and won an earlier season matchup, 7-6, in Lisle, Ill. More so, they also defeated Benedictine last season (16-8) on the road during a MLC Tournament semifinal contest. While CUW has history on its side and home field advantage, the final count on the scoreboard is what matters on Wednesday afternoon.
Wilson causes havoc: Senior Mark Wilson (Calgary, Alberta) has surely made some impressive plays this season and recorded 29 caused turnovers in 15 games played. The long-stick midfielder was third in league play with 18 caused turnovers and many times his caused turnover resulted in the Falcons transitioning to the other end of the field for a goal. If CUW is to advance past Benedictine on Wednesday he will need to continue his impressive defensive play.
