On Saturday, freshman Gerald Logan displayed his skillset and showed why he’s considered one of the top goalies in the nation.

Despite Michigan’s 10-3 loss to visiting No. 9 Loyola (Md.), Logan kept the Wolverine lacrosse team in the game by making 15 saves.

Michigan (0-4 ECAC, 0-9 overall) certainly looks to Logan for help and thinks of him as the backbone to the team’s development.

Before the season, the Wolverines knew they had a special player in Logan because the freshman was one of the top players in Michigan’s first recruiting class as a varsity team. Michigan coach John Paul felt lucky to have Logan as part of the class and knew he was getting a polished player.

Prior to entering the program, Logan knew he wanted to be in Ann Arbor to help establish Michigan as a top-tier lacrosse program.

“We felt that he was one who slipped through the cracks,” he said. “I think we were right (for recruiting Logan): he is very, very good.”

On multiple possessions, Loyola won the faceoff and immediately ripped off a shot on goal. In these instances, Logan made countless saves, but with the amount of shots Loyola was taking, the goals were inevitable.

“I am used to seeing lots of shots, and actually enjoy it,” Logan said. “Sometimes I sing songs to keep my mind right, especially with seeing all those shots.”

Added Paul: “He loves playing the position of goalie, which is a tough position and you take abuse doing it. He’s a guy that we can’t get out of the cage and wants to take as many shots as he can take. He’ll stay after practice and just loves playing the position.”

Entering Saturday’s game at Michigan Stadium, Logan had boasted the most saves per game in Division I lacrosse, while facing the most shots per game in the country.

Against the Greyhounds (2-0, 7-2), Logan saw 25 shots on goal and saved 60 percent of them. Although not every shot is on target, the ball comes Logan’s way plenty. In multiple games, opponents have had 50-plus shots.

“With seeing all those shots, I have to keep resetting,” Logan said. “I think of each shot like it’s 0-0, which is how you have to play it, especially against good teams because they can discourage you.”

His play has certainly garnered the attention of his teammates — if it weren’t for Logan, the Wolverines would be way further behind in their development. Logan has provided a consistent aspect to the team throughout the season.

“He is incredible and keeps us in games,” said senior midfielder Thomas Paras. “He’s making strides in the clear game and everyday practice. He’s a great competitor and extremely talented, and will only get better.”

Despite allowing goals, Logan remained mentally strong. Playing on the Michigan football field for the first time this season, Paul related Logan’s play to that of a football player.

“It’s like playing cornerback in football — you get beat deep, then you come right back and forget about it,” he said. “It’s the same way with a goalie — if somebody scores a goal on you, then you forget about it and save the next one.”

The future remains very bright for Logan, and he will certainly be looked to help Michigan establish national dominance.

“Gerald is going to be fine,” Paul said. “We’re looking forward to having him for four years. We’re happy we have him — no question.”