The MUS varsity lacrosse team concludes their season this weekend as they head to Nashville to participate in the state tournament. The state includes Tennessee's top four teams: MBA, MUS, Ravenwood, and McCallie, whom the Owls play in the semifinals on Friday night at 6:00 p.m.
So far this year, the Owls (12-6) have battled extremely tough competition and have come out with some key wins.
After having endured four consecutive losses in the middle of the year, three of which were one-goal setbacks, the Owls rebounded and generated some great momentum heading into state by winning their last three games.
Coach Dent's squad dominated during the stretch, defeating University School of Nashville, 20-3; a strong Montgomery Bell Academy team, 10-8; and rival CBHS, 15-11.
Offensively, MUS has been led by senior Doug Boyer, who leads the team in points (goals and assists) and goals. Junior Buck Towner and sophomore Patrick Stewart also are team leaders in points.
Additionally, MUS has gotten impressive help offensively over the last three games by some younger players as well, like sophomores Kent Francis and Conor Bolich.
Defensively, the Owls have played solidly during this stretch as they halted the impressive attack of MBA in an April 22 win.
The Owls have been led by senior Garrott McClintock, who leads the team in loose balls and takeaways.
In addition to McClintock, John Klinke, Boyer, and Towner all have placed consistently and rank high in defensive categories.
Seniors Zach Matthews and Blake Karban, sophomores Scott McClintock and Ben Arnold, and freshman Barry Hillyer also have been solid defenders and place in the top-five of many defensive categories, including faceoffs and intercepts. And Goalie Jason Daniel has also fared very well over the last three games.
MUS hopes to bring back the state title to Memphis and continue their dominance in the state tournament. If MUS defeats McCallie on Friday, they will advance to the finals to take on the winner of Ravenwood-MBA on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.