“Michigan hasn’t lost in two years… Texas doesn’t stand a chance… This will be over quick.” Whatever could be said about the 1 Michigan vs. 16 Texas matchup on opening day of the 2009 MCLA Tournament, had been. Michigan hadn’t lost since the 2007 Tournament, winning 36 consecutive games, including the 2008 National Championship. Forum posters and fans nationwide picked Michigan to run away early on the Longhorns.

Nobody told Texas.

The Longhorns jumped out to an early lead, scoring on their first possession, only a minute in. They’d lead most of the first, and end it trailing by only a goal. Two of Michigan’s four were scored on shots deflecting off players in the crease.

The second quarter proved that the last-seed Texas squad wasn’t content to let bygones be bygones and assume the fate so many had already given them. They’d score once more, while only allowing two, and head into halftime down by two.

Despite strong defense, Michigan would score three and the Longhorns none, in the third quarter. While Michigan wasn’t able to pour in shots the way they had on the majority of teams they’d faced all year, Texas’ inability to clear the ball yielded a single possession in the first 11 minutes of the quarter. Clearing deficiencies proved to be the difference for Michigan, as the Horns weren’t able to capitalize on the few possessions they had.

Trailing by five, the Longhorns’ tough defense play continued, highlighted by sophomore defenseman Kevin Dolezal’s play on All-American Trevor Yealy, who netted zero goals and was allowed almost as many touches. Junior Attackman Doug Boyer scored once from inside, sparking a rally of sorts, which led to a lengthy, 6-shot possession. Unfortunately, Texas was unable to capitalize.

The scoreboard told a different story for this game than what actually happened, as Michigan never appeared to be comfortable against the Longhorns. Much of this can be attributed to new strategies instituted for the game, including rotating face-off men and changing wingman positions to keep Michigan’s All-American FOGO uncomfortable. Sophomores Stefan Knipp (LSM), John Shank and Senior Alex Kroviak all rotated through, and proved successful, forcing Michigan into four turnovers off of face-off wins. Knipp had never taken a face-off previous to the contest, but was instrumental in providing, and winning, ground ball opportunities at the face-off X.

Michigan was kept to its second-lowest score total all season, having scored 12 or more against every other opponent, with the exception of UC-Santa Barbara. “I’m very proud of our team for the effort,” stated Coach Noah Fink. “We played hard, were pretty disciplined, and never gave up. Most importantly, we had fun, which has been a key to our successes against quality opponents all year. Compared to our game against #3 Chapman, when we came in thinking too much and were apprehensive, we looked like a completely different team. We were unfortunate to take the short-end on a lot of breaks today. We hit four pipes on good shots, and they had two deflect in. A few bounces go our way and a strong clearing game, and this game is completely different. I think we made a statement today, and proved to the country that we play a lot better lacrosse in Texas than get credit for. I’m very optimistic about next year’s squad.”

	  1       2       3       4	OT	Total
Texas     3  	  1  	  0  	  1  	0  	5
Michigan  4 	  2 	  3 	  2 	0 	11

From the first whistle, it was all Texas, as they’d maintain a steady three-goal lead from the second quarter onward. Strong play by Senior goalie Towers Wilen, and the Highland Park Freshman-Sophomore duo Johnny McKnight (2nd Team All-America) and William Lawson led the way, as each midfielder notched three goals.

The Longhorns would go on to win 11-7, bringing the collective careers of the 2009 Senior class full-circle. For the class that sent Texas on its way to the top of the MCLA, it certainly was a wonderful experience.