Tigers still got it

By Ryan Lum, Sports Contributor

The Tigers improved their record to 3–1 on the season with a 12–7 victory over the St. Francis Xavier X-Men Saturday afternoon at Wickwire Field.

The teams met for the first time since having competed for the Maritime University Field Lacrosse League title last November, a hard fought match which Dal won 8–6. The rematch was a crucial game for both teams, as the victory put Dal in a tie for first in the standings with St. Mary’s, and dropped the X-men below .500 for the year.

The Tigers opened scoring early in the first quarter, when they broke through

the St. FX long poles and slid the ball past goalie Chris Soucie. Dal retained control of the game’s momentum for the better part of the first half, closing with a 3–1 lead. However, the X-Men stormed back early in the third quarter, cutting a three goal deficit to sit one back at 6-5. But the Tigers regained their composure after a gutsy marker by attack Jaime Dunbar was followed by 3 unanswered Dal goals.

Crucial saves by Tigers’ goalie Mike Cowan, who leads the league in goals against average, kept the Tigers in good enough shape to cruise through the fourth quarter on goals by attack David Gagnier and midfield Dustin Nadeau.