ULR Staff Picks: Week 2
After a great week of games, it’s time to look ahead to what’s on the slate this week. But first, let’s take a look at how last week’s picks played out.
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Week 1 Recap
BYU @ Utah (Women’s) - Utah handled the Cougs, winning 17-9. Ron and Libby were the wise ones with this pick! Kendall Danielson had 8 goals for Utah.
USC v. Utah Tech @ SMU (Men’s) - The Trailblazers fell to USC, 13-4.
Woods Cross @ Payson (Boys) - Payson walked away with a 12-1 win.
West Field @ Olympus (Boys) - Olympus won, 9-2. Cameron Johnson and Kai Rossi each had 3 points for the Titans. Madden Rubsamen won 72% of faceoffs taken for Olympus. West Field goalie Carter Thornock finished with 19 saves.
Payson @ West Jordan (Girls) - West Jordan won, 13-5.
Copper Hills @ Bountiful (Girls) - Copper Hills bested Bountiful, 14-7. Elise Southworth had 4 goals, 3 assists and 4 caused turnovers for the Grizzlies. She also went 81% on draws. Bountiful goalie Kaylin Kerry had 12 saves.
Staff Standings
Cody Elmen: 3-3
Tim Haslam: 3-3
Ron Hill: 4-2
Libby Mitchell: 2-4
Dane Stewart: 3-3
Austin Whiting: 3-3
Fan Vote: 4-2
On to the picks for Week 2!
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College
March 11 - Utah @ Marquette (Men’s) - 11:00am - ESPN+
Cody Elmen: In the four meetings of this matchup, the largest goal differential has been two goals, and three of the games have been decided by one goal. It’s hard to pick against the Utes the way they’re playing right now, but it’s going to be close once again.
Tim Haslam: The midweek game can always be challenging but the Utes are rolling. I’m picking Utah to win this one.
Ron Hill: These two play it hard against each other. I like the Utes vibe right now. Utes in a tight one.
Libby Mitchell: Marquette is battling this year, and the Utes are on a three game winning streak. I think they keep it going in a close one.
Dane Stewart: Utah offense is humming right now…Utah
Austin Whiting: I think the Utes will pick up a hard-earned victory this week. I’ll guess 13-12 for Utah.
March 13 - UCCS @ Westminster (Women’s) - 5:00pm
CE: Westminster has had a long time to prepare for this game, while Colorado Springs plays the third-ranked team in the country on Tuesday before traveling to Salt Lake. I feel like that’s too much to overcome, so the Griffins win this one.
TH: This is going to be a really great matchup. Both teams enter the series at 1- 2. I’m going to give the home team the advantage. Griffins take the win.
RH: Same records, leaning to the home field. Travel will always be a factor. Griffins at home.
LM: Westminster is looking for a win after a tough time on the road. They did lose to UCCS last year, so that could put some extra pep in their step. I’m going with the Griffins.
DS: I’ll take UCCS here to get the road win.
AW: I’m going to take UCCS 12-10.
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Boys
March 11 - Northridge @ Bountiful
CE: A rematch from last year that went into overtime. Last year, Bountiful didn’t have Carter Terry for that game. This year, they do. I believe that will be the key difference in a Red Hawks victory.
TH: I agree with Austin, the faceoff will be key. I’m going to give that edge to Northridge, who I think will go home with a W.
RH: Tough one, two very equal teams. I am going with the Knights and the extra rest they get this week.
LM: This really could go either way. Both teams are coming into the game with a win and a loss, so they are evenly matched. It’s a flip of a coin, but I’m going to pick the Knights.
DS: I’m gonna pull a Herbstreit and not pick this one, as I’ll be calling this game on KSLSports.com (Editor’s Note: Tune it at 7:30pm on kslsports.com/watch)
AW: I believe this game will come down to the specialty positions, FOGO & Goalie. Both teams are bringing back strong faceoff players and new starting goalies. I’m going to give a slight edge to Bountiful, who is bringing back much of their offensive personnel. I’ll guess 10-8.
March 13 - Brighton @ Judge Memorial
CE: It doesn’t get much better than this. Two of the best teams in the state at the best venue in Utah lacrosse. I’m going with Judge in this one as their highly touted senior class looks to get their final season off to a strong start.
TH: I’m going to pick Judge, but it wasn’t an easy choice. Brighton will certainly remember the OT loss last year and have played more games already this year. Homefield advantage for Judge will play a factor. I’d give an edge to Judge at the faceoff position but the rest of the positions are very comparable. Don’t be surprised to see overtime again!
RH: I am going to go with the Bengals and the extra games under their belt. Judge players have been together for years, but it takes good game experience to get on track.
LM: Grudge match time! Brighton has had more time on the field this season, and Judge is coming in fresh. But neither team is going to want to cede any ground after last year’s match up. I think Brighton is going to want it just a bit more and take it home.
DS: JD sent notice to the state last week, and that is the NEXT game for Judge. They better be focused against this Brighton group. I’ll lean Judge, but this is close.
AW: Incredible matchup this week. Everything has been building up to this year for Judge, but it’s hard to bet against the team with back-to-back 5A championships and Gabe Carrera at the helm. That said, I’m going to have to go with the Bulldogs who on paper have everything needed to make a deep run. I’ll guess 12-11 for Judge.
Girls
March 11 - Ridgeline @ Woods Cross
CE: I’m going with Ridgeline in this one. Look for Eme Welker to have another big game as she already has 14 goals in just two games.
TH: Woods Cross will win this game. It’s going to be a battle but the Wildcats will come out on top with Lila Dunn leading the way.
RH: Ridgeline is going to be a big player in the 4A classification, but I think Woods Cross and the home field will take this one.
LM: Ridgeline is coming off a massive win against Alta, and has the better track record this season. But, Woods Cross does really well at home. I’m going with WX.
DS: Want to take WX, but Eme Welker has been on a tear to start the year. Ridgeline gets the win here.
AW: I’m going to take the Riverhawks in a close one. I’m guessing 11-9 for Ridgeline.
March 13 - Syracuse @ Maple Mountain
CE: I’m giving this one to the Titans. Against a very good Skyridge team, Syracuse held their own on draws. I think this will be a deciding factor in this game.
TH: I think Cody is right, the draw advantage favors the Titans. I’m picking Syracuse.
RH: It’s the easy way out, but I am looking at the travel. Maple Mountain in a tight one.
LM: Syracuse will take it. After three tough losses, Maple Mountain may not have the fight in them.
DS: I’ll take Titans
AW: I’m going to take Syracuse in this one, Titans win 12-8.
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Staff Includes:
Tim Haslam - Editor-In-Chief of Utah Lax Report
Libby Mitchell - Girls/Women’s Editor of Utah Lax Report
Dane Stewart - Play by Play for KSL Sports Rewind.
Ron Hill - Hill & Hill Photography, ULR Coaches Poll Director
Austin Whiting - Westlake Coach, Utah Arrowhead (PLL Supporters Group)
Cody Elmen - Former Bingham Coach & Player
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