If a fast-paced style of play is your cup of tea for lacrosse, then University is here to deliver. The undefeated Preppers (20-0) play with a pep in their step all around the field and make the transition from defense to attack work in their favor.
The Preppers average just under 16 goals a game as they’ve been able to alleviate early pressure on the defense. But when called upon, that third of the field has been just as impressive as they have allowed an average of five goals a game by, led by first-team Region 6 goalie Magnus Holubar.
On attack, the Preppers are led by Preston Blue, as he has racked up 67 goals and 49 assists, among the best in Northeast Ohio. He was also named the Region 6 player of the year.
But University isn’t one player deep on the attack as Blue has been paired with Charlie Freer (39 goals), Andrew Voinivich (33 goals) and Nico Alvarez (32 goals). All four have the ability to run the Preppers’ offense.
Defensively, Both Cooper Mlakar (41 takeaways) and Duke Brennan (35 takeaways) have led the charge for a defense that plays to its strengths and isn’t overly aggressive in creating ground balls.
The battle in the faceoff circle should be fierce as University’s Julian Griguis and Rocco Conti of Olmsted Falls both have a win rate north of 80% in the circle.
University has been able to get out to early leads and then maintain them. But there were some instances when they needed either a defensive stand or last-second goals to win.
In their first meeting with Chagrin Falls, the Tigers held the lead with just over 20 seconds left in regulation. But a ground ball turned into a transition chance and the Preppers found Blue to tie the game with six seconds left.
After the defense held Chagrin Falls off the scoreboard, the Preppers won the draw at the start of the second overtime. After a quick timeout, Kam Shiver found his way to the net for the game-winner and kept the perfect regular season dream alive.
University also held on for close victories against Toledo St. Francis deSales and Shaker Heights.
OLMSTED FALLS VS. UNIVERSITY
What: Division II state semifinal
When: 6 p.m., May 30
Where: Medina, 777 E. Union St.
For the record: Winner advances to the state final June 3 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus
