200-person crowd cheers on laxers

By BRETT CIONE
Collegian Sports Writer

It wouldn't fill section SC at Beaver Stadium, nor would it barely fill section N5 at Rec Hall. But the crowd of about 200 people was just as much of a factor in a big season-opening 15-14 victory for the Nittany Lion lacrosse team over Notre Dame on Sunday in Holuba Hall.

Senior attackman Erik Merkel felt the crowd played a big part down the stretch in the see-saw game.

"It's a great feeling when you've got a good crowd on your side," he said. "They were really supportive."

While some players feed off the crowd, others try not to think too much about it and tend to worry more about their task at hand. Senior midfielder Mike Busza is one of the players that tries not to focus too much on the crowd.

"I pretty much try to block them out," he said. "At times, though, it's really inspirational. It's good to play on our home turf."

Many of the fans are new to the sport and use each game as a learning experience. Some come to see friends and family, while others come to enjoy the fast-paced action the sport brings.

Megan Hunter (sophomore-human development and family studies) was out supporting friends on the team.

"This is the first game I've ever been to," she said. "Sometimes it's hard to follow."

That could be partly because the lacrosse ball is not much larger than a golf ball, making it harder to follow the game at times. Kristin McIntyre (junior-advertising) was one who said the game was difficult to follow.

"It's hard to know where the ball is all the time." she said.

Stacey Goff (junior-elementary education) said the fast pace was exciting.

"You start to understand as the game goes along," she said. "Now I'm starting to get it."

Even though a lot of the people in the crowd were students, there were many families who came to see their sons play. Ron Shorts, father of defenseman and captain Brian Shorts, was one of those in attendance Sunday.

"I come to see him," he said. "But also I like the game, and I know a lot of the kids."

And even with this season's game being played in University Park, some parents of Notre Dame players traveled a good distance. But their sentiments are no different than the parents of Penn State athletes.

"I love the game, and I come to support him," said Mary Kay Maroney of her son, Mike. "I go to every game, and I know as a parent, they're appreciative."