2015 D-I College Championships - Men's Day Three Recap
Ian Toner
Posted: May 24, 2015 08:26 AM
This year’s "pool of death" lived up to its billing, as three teams from Pool C advanced to the semifinals. Since switching to the 20-team format, this is the first time a single pool has sent three teams to the final four, and Florida State and Oregon became the second and third pre-quarterfinal competitors to earn semifinals berths.
Quarterfinals
Oregon advanced to its fourth consecutive final four by besting Texas in a rematch of a 2014 national quarterfinal. Ego’s stars led the way, as 2013 Callahan Award winner Dylan Freechild threw five assists, and 2014 Northwest All-Freshmen cutter Connor Matthews caught five goals. Chris Strub played stellar defense against TUFF Callahan nominee Chase Cunningham and added three goals and three assists in Oregon’s 15-12 victory.
Central Florida overpowered Pittsburgh En Sabah Nur, connecting on deep shots that gave the Dogs of War a commanding 8-3 lead by halftime. The usual suspects led the charge for the Dogs: Michael Fairley, Alex Bullock and Jeremy Langdon each tallied at least two goals and two assists, and Brawley Adams threw five assists en route to a convincing 15-9 victory.
Colorado was paralyzed by offensive mistakes, and their title defense came to an end against North Carolina Darkside. Jonathan Nethercutt completed 10 assists in the 15-9 win to help his team advance.
Chris LaRocque minimized Jeff Babbitt’s impact in a capped match up that saw Zoodisc’s Cinderella run come to an end. Babbitt finished the game with three goals and one assist, but the trio of Chris LaRocque, Connor Holcombe and Andrew Roney were too much for the rest of Zoodisc’s roster to handle. Fittingly, Holcombe streaked past Babbitt to reel in a LaRocque huck and clinch the 12-10 victory.
Semifinals
Florida State entered their first-ever semifinals appearance against a shorthanded Oregon Ego as the favorite to advance to the finals. Despite Florida State’s firepower (anchored by Andrew Roney and Chris LaRocque), Oregon Ego leveraged their springy defense (including multiple blocks from Chris Stub) to accelerate to an 8-6 lead at halftime.
At 10-10, as Dylan Freechild shared with ESPN3 after the game, Coach Jay Janin noticed the Florida State focus and pressure on Oregon’s under cuts – accordingly, he encouraged his offense to attack the deep space more aggressively. From there, Oregon went on a 3-0 run, and a perfect Freechild huck to Adam Rees sealed the 15-12 victory for Ego.
The Central Florida Dogs of War weren’t comfortable in their own skin under the lights. After holding for a 2-1 lead, Darkside turned up their defensive pressure and intensity, going on a 6-2 run and taking half 8-3. Central Florida’s unforced errors didn’t help their cause.
Jeremy Langdon and Michael Fairley connected for three goals in the second half, but Central Florida didn’t mount any charge worth noting. Newly announced 2015 Callahan winner Jonathan Nethercutt finished with seven assists, and Jimmy Zuraw added a goal, two assists and one block in Darkside’s 15-10 victory.
Fast Facts
-
Oregon’s victory marks their first semifinal victory in four tries – Oregon lost in the semifinals to Wisconsin in 2012, Pittsburgh in 2013 and Colorado in 2014.
-
Oregon Ego and Oregon Fugue will contend for the national championship in their respective divisions tomorrow. The last time one school won championships in both divisions in the same year: California-Santa Barbara in 1990 (and 1988).
Finals
Have any questions or comments? We welcome community feedback and discussion made in a respectful manner. Please refrain from profanity or personal attacks, as such public comments negatively reflect on our sport and community.