Lacrosse ready to open spring season
The Utah State University men’s club lacrosse team will open its season with two games this weekend against the University of Southern Colorado and Utah Valley State College. Both games will be played at UVSC in Orem. The Southern Colorado game will be played first on Friday at 4 p.m. Team captain Paul Larkin said Southern Colorado’s program is brand new and he expects a win for USU. He also said it will provide a valuable opportunity to get playing time for some of the new players. Saturday’s game against UVSC at noon will provide more of a challenge for the Aggies. UVSC is a Division I team while Utah State is Division II. Despite that, Larkin said he expects it to be a good game, and believes the Aggies stand a good chance of winning. Amongst the Division II teams, Larkin said he believes Utah State is the best. Other Division II teams, such as Boise State and the University of Northern Colorado, are strong, but Larkin said he still believes “we’re at the top.” This spring season, the Aggies have 11 games scheduled and will be led by midfielder Tyler Berkey, and defenseman Nate Daniels. Larkin said Berkey is probably the best player on the team and Daniels provides strong defense by laying anyone out who gets near the goal. Larkin also credits those who are playing lacrosse for the first time this season. “They bring a great spirit and a lot of excitement,” Larkin said. “They provide good legs for running in the beginning of the season, and as the season progresses their stick skills will improve as well.” Larkin said fan support will be important to the team’s success this spring. “It’s a fast-paced, hard-hitting game with a lot of action,” Larkin said. “It’s a great spectator sport, a lot like hockey.”