Amplo recaps Maryland scrimmage, looks ahead to Utah

MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University men's lacrosse team began its exhibition season on Saturday with a scrimmage at national power Maryland and will face a first-year program in Utah this coming Saturday, Jan. 26 in Salt Lake City.

The Golden Eagles, led by Team USA Assistant Coach Joe Amplo, practiced at the US Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Maryland last Friday prior to their five-quarter contest against the Terrapins. The scrimmage concluded MU's first week of practice and allowed the Golden Eagles to get the first look at their newcomers against another opponent.

Sophomore transfer and Maryland-native John Hulsman started in net and played the first quarter, after which Marquette led 5-3. Gabe Stein, Chris Rolfing and Carver Skarnulis all saw time in what has become a competitive group between the pipes. MU was also able to see freshman face-off specialist Thomas Washington and junior Jared Hershman compete at the X.

Marquette is back in action on Saturday at Utah, a program entering its first season of varsity competition under head coach Brian Holman, who was on the coaching staff at North Carolina when MU hosted the Tar Heels in the 2016 NCAA First Round. The 1 p.m. Central time scrimmage will be played at the Spence and Cleone Eccles Center and is closed to the general public.

Amplo on the upcoming Utah scrimmage:
"Going to a different part of the country is another experience that (the team) can have. It's an opportunity to travel and be away for two nights that will give them time to spend together – which is really important early in the season. To learn how handle a longer trip is also important.
"Most important is the fact that we get to help out a new program because I remember what it was like here seven years ago. The challenges of playing teams, but also hosting teams. Giving Coach Holman and his staff and those kids an opportunity to play another team on their campus is something that I think is our responsibility. I was so thankful for the programs who did that for us. I'm happy we can pay if forward that way."

Amplo on playing Maryland:
"I told the guys right afterwards that its better than practicing at home; having an opponent in a different color jersey. It is our fifth or sixth time out if you count the practice at US Lacrosse. So, for us to play a team that's been in the last seven Final Fours and some championship games, it is good for them to see the standard at the top of the sport. Some things were exposed in our group and that is exactly what we want. But I do feel like there were tremendous amounts of positives. Our energy was great and some really good performances individually. Some instances of great team performances and I'm more encouraged than I thought I would be after one week."

Amplo on practicing at US Lacrosse Headquarters:
"It's the second time we've done it, it's a great opportunity for these guys. I don't think that the new guys knew that the home of US Lacrosse is an actual thing. And the Lacrosse Hall of Fame and being in Team USA's locker room. The short history that that place has, but the long history that US Lacrosse organization has, is important for them to recognize. They are the future of the sport, so they should be aware of the people who came before them and feel the responsibility to carry the sport forward."

Keep up with the Marquette men's lacrosse program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteMLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteMLax) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteMLax).