Iowa State at Iowa Preview

Every fall the Cyclones and Hawkeyes battle for supremacy on the football field. The rivalry continues on the hardwood every December. Unbeknownst to many, spring brings us yet another chapter in this storied battle - this time on the lacrosse field.
I mentioned the big game in Thursday's post, but I wanted to discuss it a bit more. Really delve into what makes this yet another great in-state rivalry. Break it down a bit, if you will.
Although lacrosse has just started making inroads in the Des Moines area, the University of Iowa lacrosse club was founded in 1977 and the Iowa State University lacrosse club was founded not long after (I am unable to find an exact date). In celebration of the annual football game, the clubs face off every fall as part of a rivalry weekend. The clubs are both winding down their seasons; this is Iowa's final game of the season and ISU will have two more to go. Both clubs have losing records, unfortunately as Iowa is 3-9 and Iowa State is 1-5.

2009 Statistics for Both Teams
Iowa

Great Rivers Lacrosse Conference Division 1 - Currently 13th out of 13 teams
Average goals per game: For- 11.17 Against- 11.67
Best Score: 19-1 Win vs Palmer College 2/27/09
Worst Score: 20-11 Loss vs Nebraska 4/12/09
Leading Scorer: Alex De La Pena (So) 6.33 ppg, 32 goals, 44 assists
Starting Goalie: Nolan McGowan (Sr) 52.5 save %, 83 saves, 75 goals against
Iowa State
Upper Midwest Lacrosse League Division 1 - Currently 5th out of 8 teams
Average goals per game: For- 5.5 Against- 17
Best Score: 10-9 Win vs Marquette 4/4/09
Worst Score: 29-1 Loss vs Minnesota-Duluth 2/7/09
Leading Scorer: Not updated
Starting Goalie: Not updated

As much as I would like to see the Cyclones grab a win, I'm saying Iowa will win this game. De La Pena leads the entire Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association in points per game. The Hawkeyes' ability to score puts them ahead of ISU whose firepower has been lacking all season. While ISU has failed to score 1/3 of the goals they've let in, Iowa has been about even. However, the loss to the fifth ranked Bulldogs to open the season may have damped the Cyclones' spirits and destroyed their confidence. Iowa has not played any nationally ranked opponents, so ISU does have that advantage. Regardless, I predict that Iowa will win the game by at least five goals.

Alex De La Pena