The University of Missouri Men’s Lacrosse team had a great run during the 2012 campaign. While the final outcome may not have been what many had hoped for, the 2012 season proved to be a step forward for the program. The Tigers finished the season with a record of 8-3, going 4-0 in their conference. Winning the GRLC West was a huge accomplishment for the Tigers. The program had not won the GRLC West conference title since 2003. The Tigers came up just short in the GRLC Conference Tournament this year, losing to Iowa in a heartbreaking overtime loss. It was a tough way to end the season, but the team was able to learn and grow from the loss.
The team faced many adversities throughout the season, but they always managed to overcome whatever they were faced with. Losing 2011 3rd Team All-American Zach Nisson and starting face-off man James Stannard to shoulder injuries was a major setback for the Tigers, but sophomores Tim Adams and Matt Vollmer were able to pick up the slack. Tim Adams led the team in points this year, averaging 3.375 points per game. Increasing his average nearly one full point from his freshman year. Matt Vollmer led the team in goals with 22, while also improving his point per game average. Underclassman played a major role on the offensive side of the field this year. Out of the top 10 point scorers this year, eight were sophomores or younger. With underclassman playing such a major role on the team, the future is very bright for the Tigers.
Due to injuries, the Tigers will only be graduating seniors Josh Nelson and Sean Hogarty. Josh and Sean have been key players during the rise of the program. Off the field, they both held Leadership Team positions for two or more years. On the field, both were able to accumulate very successful careers. Sean finished is career with an outstanding goals against average of 6.29. With Sean in goal, the Tigers always knew they had a reliable and skilled goalie to back them up. Sean has set a high standard for all future goalies of Mizzou Lacrosse.
Josh Nelson also played a major role in the growth of the program. Josh was president of the team for two years and helped to push the program to a new standard. On the field, Josh provided leadership for the team. He was captain for three years and started every game for Mizzou in the past four years. Josh is a three-time GRLC All-Conference award winner, earning 1st Team All-Conference in two different positions. As a junior, he received 1st Team at long stick midfield and as a senior he received 1st Team at defensive midfield. He also was an All-American honorable mention as a junior and was nominated again for All-American this year.
Mizzou Lacrosse is thankful for all that both Sean and Josh have done while apart of the program.
More photos from the MU-Iowa game
