Going into this season it appeared a potent, veteran offense might have to carry a young, inexperienced defense for the Navy lacrosse team.
Three games in, it looks like the Midshipmen may rely on the stingy defense that has been a long-standing tradition of the program.
Goalkeeper Ryan Kern made 10 saves to anchor a strong defensive effort as Navy shut down UMBC, 7-5, in a steady snowstorm at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Close defenseman Hiram Carter had two caused turnovers and four ground balls for the Midshipmen, who held the Retrievers scoreless for a stretch of almost 16 minutes spanning the third and fourth quarters.