The middle of February poses a serious weather challenge and risk for athletic teams that are kick starting their spring campaigns in Ohio; the blooming elements of spring are not quite initiated. Sometimes, snow is in the weather forecast and that’s exactly what fans and athletes saw when John Carroll women’s lacrosse was supposed to begin their season.
John Carroll women’s lacrosse already has a pair of games in their repertoire. But, with two losses on the squad’s record amongst talented competitors, it’s easy to forget the potential of what could’ve been on Saturday, Feb. 17.
The result was a canceled game between John Carroll and Kenyon, a bout of play that was ruled a no-contest because not enough game was able to occur, as per Ohio Athletic Conference policy. But, what the cancellation conceals is that the Blue Streaks and Owls were deadlocked in the score, an impressive status for a young team at John Carroll.
Kenyon, a North Coast Athletic Conference juggernaut, was predicted to give John Carroll intense, aggressive and technical experience that the Blue Streaks would’ve used for the remainder of their season.
But, with blustery conditions, freezing temperatures, low visibility and a field with snow-covered lines, the game was unplayable, at least to the standards of player safety and protection. However, the decision wasn’t backed by some of the John Carroll athletes, who were eager to continue the quest for a statement win to open the season.
The statistics are no longer available because the game never actually “occurred” according to the record keeping regulations and the fact that the competition was ruled a no-contest.
But, despite its invalidity, this tied score and energy that was felt at Don Shula Stadium is something worth mentioning. When it comes to OAC play, the Blue Streaks will have some significant experience to utilize, derived from the best talent within the NCAA Division III Level.
Now, John Carroll sits at an official 0-2 record, with a pair of losses coming from Oberlin College and The College of Wooster, both NCAC schools that the Blue Streaks will see in the coming years.
Looking ahead, John Carroll hosts Hope College in another non-conference matchup on Friday, Mar. 1 at 7:00 p.m.