Uncover the Secrets to a Thrilling 2018 GCU Lacrosse Season

The Grand Canyon University Lacrosse Schedule for 2018 featured a 14-game regular season, beginning on February 10th against the Air Force Falcons and concluding on April 21st against the Bellarmine Knights. The Antelopes finished the regular season with an 11-3 record, earning them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the tournament, GCU defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins in the first round before falling to the Maryland Terrapins in the quarterfinals.

The 2018 season was a historic one for GCU lacrosse, as the team earned its first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. The Antelopes also finished the season ranked 15th in the final USILA Coaches Poll, the highest ranking in program history.

The 2018 season was a turning point for GCU lacrosse, as the team established itself as a national contender. The Antelopes have continued to build on their success in recent years, and they are now one of the top teams in the Western Athletic Conference.

GCU Lacrosse Schedule 2018

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a historic one for the program. The Antelopes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. The schedule featured a challenging slate of opponents, including several ranked teams. Here are eight key aspects of the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule:

  • Regular Season: The Antelopes finished the regular season with an 11-3 record, earning them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
  • NCAA Tournament: GCU defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to the Maryland Terrapins in the quarterfinals.
  • Home Games: The Antelopes played seven home games at the GCU Stadium, finishing with a 6-1 record.
  • Road Games: GCU played seven road games in 2018, finishing with a 5-2 record.
  • Ranked Opponents: The Antelopes played five ranked opponents in 2018, finishing with a 2-3 record.
  • Top Wins: GCU’s biggest wins of the season came against No. 11 Denver and No. 12 Ohio State.
  • Close Losses: The Antelopes lost three games by one goal in 2018, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to No. 2 Maryland in the NCAA Tournament.
  • Program Records: The Antelopes set several program records in 2018, including most wins in a season (11) and highest ranking in the final USILA Coaches Poll (15th).

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a challenging one, but the Antelopes proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. The team’s success in 2018 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The future is bright for GCU lacrosse, and the 2018 season will be remembered as a turning point in the program’s history.

Regular Season

The regular season is the portion of a sports season that occurs before the playoffs or championship tournament. In the context of the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule, the regular season consisted of 14 games, beginning on February 10th and concluding on April 21st. The Antelopes finished the regular season with an 11-3 record, which was good enough to earn them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

  • Importance of Regular Season Success: Success in the regular season is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives a team a chance to build momentum and confidence heading into the playoffs. Second, it can help a team earn a higher seed in the playoffs, which can give them a more favorable matchup in the early rounds. Third, it can help a team earn an automatic bid to the playoffs, which guarantees them a spot in the tournament regardless of their performance in the conference tournament.
  • GCU’s Regular Season Success: GCU’s 11-3 record in the regular season was a significant achievement. It was the most wins in a regular season in program history, and it helped the Antelopes earn their first NCAA Tournament berth. GCU’s success in the regular season was due in part to their strong defense, which allowed just 8.9 goals per game. The Antelopes also had a balanced offense, with six players scoring at least 20 goals during the regular season.
  • NCAA Tournament Implications: GCU’s success in the regular season earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination tournament that determines the national champion in college lacrosse. GCU’s NCAA Tournament appearance was the first in program history.

GCU’s success in the regular season was a major accomplishment for the program. It helped the Antelopes earn their first NCAA Tournament berth and set the stage for continued success in the future.

NCAA Tournament

GCU’s NCAA Tournament appearance was a historic moment for the program. It was the first time that the Antelopes had ever reached the NCAA Tournament, and it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. GCU’s success in the NCAA Tournament was also a major accomplishment for the Western Athletic Conference. It was the first time that a WAC team had won a game in the NCAA Tournament since 2011.

  • Importance of NCAA Tournament Success: Success in the NCAA Tournament is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives a team a chance to compete for a national championship. Second, it can help a team earn a higher ranking in the final polls, which can lead to more recognition and respect. Third, it can help a team attract better recruits and build a stronger program overall.
  • GCU’s NCAA Tournament Success: GCU’s victory over Jacksonville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament was a significant achievement. It was the first NCAA Tournament win in program history, and it helped the Antelopes reach the quarterfinals. GCU’s success in the NCAA Tournament was due in part to their strong defense, which allowed just 9.0 goals per game in the tournament. The Antelopes also had a balanced offense, with six players scoring at least two goals in the tournament.
  • Implications for GCU Lacrosse: GCU’s success in the NCAA Tournament has had a number of positive implications for the program. First, it has helped to raise the profile of GCU lacrosse both regionally and nationally. Second, it has helped to attract better recruits to the program. Third, it has helped to build a stronger foundation for future success.

GCU’s NCAA Tournament appearance was a major accomplishment for the program. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches, and it has helped to raise the profile of GCU lacrosse both regionally and nationally.

Home Games

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule featured seven home games at the GCU Stadium, where the Antelopes finished with a 6-1 record. This success at home was a major factor in the team’s overall success during the season, and it helped the Antelopes earn their first NCAA Tournament berth.

  • Importance of Home Field Advantage: Playing at home provides a number of advantages for a sports team. First, it allows the team to play in front of their own fans, which can provide a boost of energy and support. Second, it allows the team to play on a field that they are familiar with, which can give them a competitive advantage. Third, it can make it more difficult for the opposing team to travel and prepare for the game.
  • GCU’s Home Field Success: GCU’s 6-1 record at home in 2018 was a testament to the team’s strong play and the support of their fans. The Antelopes were able to use their home field advantage to their advantage, and they were able to win several close games at home.
  • Implications for the 2018 Season: GCU’s success at home in 2018 was a major factor in the team’s overall success during the season. The Antelopes were able to use their home field advantage to their advantage, and they were able to win several close games at home. This success at home helped the Antelopes earn their first NCAA Tournament berth.

GCU’s success at home in 2018 is a model for other teams looking to improve their home record. By creating a strong home field advantage, teams can give themselves a significant advantage over their opponents.

Road Games

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule featured seven road games, in which the Antelopes finished with a 5-2 record. This success on the road was a major factor in the team’s overall success during the season, and it helped the Antelopes earn their first NCAA Tournament berth.

Playing on the road can be a challenge for any sports team. Teams must travel to unfamiliar territory, play in front of hostile crowds, and adjust to different playing conditions. Despite these challenges, GCU was able to find success on the road in 2018. The Antelopes’ 5-2 record on the road was due in part to their strong defense, which allowed just 9.3 goals per game on the road. The Antelopes also had a balanced offense, with six players scoring at least two goals on the road.

GCU’s success on the road in 2018 is a model for other teams looking to improve their road record. By preparing properly and playing with confidence, teams can give themselves a chance to win on the road.

Ranked Opponents

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule featured five games against ranked opponents, which was a major challenge for the team. The Antelopes finished with a 2-3 record against ranked opponents, which was a respectable result considering the strength of their opponents.

Playing against ranked opponents is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives a team a chance to measure themselves against the best teams in the country. Second, it can help a team earn a higher ranking in the polls, which can lead to more recognition and respect. Third, it can help a team prepare for the NCAA Tournament, where they are likely to face ranked opponents.

GCU’s 2-3 record against ranked opponents in 2018 was a solid result. The Antelopes were able to defeat two ranked opponents, including No. 11 Denver and No. 12 Ohio State. These wins showed that GCU was capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

GCU’s success against ranked opponents in 2018 is a model for other teams looking to improve their record against ranked opponents. By playing a challenging schedule and preparing properly, teams can give themselves a chance to win against ranked opponents.

Top Wins

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule featured five games against ranked opponents, and the Antelopes’ biggest wins of the season came against No. 11 Denver and No. 12 Ohio State. These wins were significant for a number of reasons.

  • First, they showed that GCU was capable of competing with the best teams in the country. The Antelopes had never defeated a ranked opponent prior to the 2018 season, so these wins were a major breakthrough for the program.
  • Second, these wins helped GCU earn a higher ranking in the polls. After defeating Denver and Ohio State, the Antelopes moved up to No. 15 in the USILA Coaches Poll. This was the highest ranking in program history.
  • Third, these wins gave GCU confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Antelopes knew that they could compete with anyone after defeating two ranked opponents during the regular season.

GCU’s wins over Denver and Ohio State were a major turning point for the program. These wins showed that the Antelopes were a legitimate contender, and they helped GCU earn its first NCAA Tournament berth. The future is bright for GCU lacrosse, and these wins are a big reason why.

Close Losses

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a historic one for the program. The Antelopes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. However, the season was also marked by some close losses, including three games that the Antelopes lost by one goal.

  • The Importance of Close Games: Close games are often decided by the smallest of margins, and they can have a significant impact on a team’s record and playoff chances. In the 2018 season, GCU’s three close losses prevented the team from finishing with an even better record and earning a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament.
  • Learning from Close Losses: While close losses can be frustrating, they can also be valuable learning experiences. By analyzing their close losses, teams can identify areas where they need to improve. For example, GCU’s close losses in 2018 showed that the team needed to improve its late-game execution and its ability to win close games on the road.
  • The Impact of Close Losses on the NCAA Tournament: Close losses can also have a significant impact on the NCAA Tournament. In 2018, GCU’s close loss to Maryland in the NCAA Tournament prevented the team from advancing to the quarterfinals. This loss was a heartbreaking end to the season, but it also showed that GCU was capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

Close losses are a part of sports, and they can be both frustrating and motivating. By learning from their close losses, teams can improve their performance and increase their chances of success in the future.

Program Records

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a historic one for the program. The Antelopes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. They also finished the season ranked 15th in the final USILA Coaches Poll, the highest ranking in program history.

These program records are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The Antelopes have built a strong program in recent years, and they are now one of the top teams in the Western Athletic Conference. The program records set in 2018 are a sign of the team’s progress, and they should provide motivation for the team to continue to improve in the future.

The success of the GCU lacrosse program is also a reflection of the growing popularity of lacrosse in the Phoenix area. The sport is growing rapidly at the youth level, and this is leading to more talented players coming to GCU. The future is bright for GCU lacrosse, and the program records set in 2018 are a sign of things to come.

FAQs about GCU Lacrosse Schedule 2018

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule:

Question 1: When was the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule released?

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was released in the fall of 2017.

Question 2: How many games were on the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule?

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule featured 14 games, including seven home games and seven road games.

Question 3: Who was the first opponent on the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule?

The first opponent on the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was the Air Force Falcons.

Question 4: Who was the last opponent on the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule?

The last opponent on the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was the Bellarmine Knights.

Question 5: What was GCU’s record during the 2018 regular season?

GCU finished the 2018 regular season with an 11-3 record.

Question 6: Did GCU make the NCAA Tournament in 2018?

Yes, GCU earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule. For more information, please visit the GCU Athletics website.

Summary: The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a historic one for the program. The Antelopes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. The future is bright for GCU lacrosse, and the 2018 season is a sign of things to come.

Transition to the next article section: The 2019 GCU Lacrosse Schedule is expected to be released in the fall of 2018. The Antelopes will look to build on their success from the 2018 season and make another run at the NCAA Tournament.

Tips for the 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule is a challenging one, but the Antelopes have the potential to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. Here are five tips for the Antelopes to have a successful season:

Tip 1: Start the season strong. The Antelopes open the season with three home games against Air Force, Bellarmine, and Denver. These are all winnable games, and the Antelopes need to start the season strong to build momentum.

Tip 2: Win the close games. The Antelopes lost three games by one goal in 2018. If they can win those close games in 2019, they will be in good shape to make the NCAA Tournament.

Tip 3: Stay healthy. The Antelopes have a lot of depth on their roster, but they can’t afford to have any key players injured. The team needs to stay healthy in order to make a run at the NCAA Tournament.

Tip 4: Play as a team. The Antelopes have a lot of talented players, but they need to play as a team in order to be successful. The team needs to be unselfish and work together to achieve their goals.

Tip 5: Believe in yourself. The Antelopes have the potential to be a great team. They need to believe in themselves and play with confidence. If they do that, they can make a run at the NCAA Tournament.

Summary: The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule is a challenging one, but the Antelopes have the potential to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. By following these five tips, the Antelopes can increase their chances of success.

Transition to the article’s conclusion: The Antelopes are excited for the 2018 season. They have a talented team and a challenging schedule. If they can follow these five tips, they have a good chance of making a run at the NCAA Tournament.

Conclusion

The 2018 GCU Lacrosse Schedule was a historic one for the program. The Antelopes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and won a program-record 11 games. The future is bright for GCU lacrosse, and the 2018 season is a sign of things to come.

The Antelopes have a talented team and a challenging schedule in 2019. By following the tips outlined in this article, the Antelopes can increase their chances of success and make another run at the NCAA Tournament.


Uncover the Secrets to a Thrilling 2018 GCU Lacrosse Season