Game Info: Wednesday, March 20 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Quick Stadium - Chester, Pa.
Social Media: @WidenerSports |
@WidenerLacrosse
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Opening Face-off
The Widener University men's lacrosse team takes on the Lebanon Valley Dutchmen in a MAC Commonwealth matchup at Quick Stadium on Saturday, March 20. Opening face-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Last Time Out - @WidenerLacrosse Dealt Setback Against No. 7 York (Pa.)
The Widener University men's lacrosse team was dealt its first setback of the season as it fell 20-6 against the No. 7 York (Pa.) Spartans.
York struck first with a pair of goals six minutes into the first period and followed up with three more quick scores to give it a 5-0 advantage after one.
Jayce Dyer was the first to find the back of the cage for Widener with a goal at the 6:22 mark of the second.
Connor Heisman converted on a man-up opportunity in the period's final minutes as the Spartans entered halftime up 9-2.
York continued to extend its lead in the final two periods.
Nick DiCicco,
Matt Buckley, and
Connor Ball each picked up a goal a piece for the Blue and Gold to round out the final tally.
Scouting Report
Lebanon Valley enters the matchup 3-0 overall and will be playing its first MAC Commonwealth contest against Widener. The Dutchmen have come away with wins in some very close games this season, most recently downing Lycoming 13-12 and edging FDU-Florham 6-5 in a game that went to four overtimes prior to that.
Jake Bollinger and Carson Frey have spearheaded Lebanon Valley's scoring attack this spring with seven goals a piece. Setting up much of the offense is senior midfielder Michael Fisher who leads the Dutchmen with seven assists. On defense, Ben Weathersby and Luke Tamberino have each scooped nine ground balls while Sam Long has caused a team-high six turnovers.
Junior Nick Serrano has played tremendously in net this season. His 61.9 percent save percentage ranks third in the MAC Commonwealth and 23rd nationally. He boasts a low 7.80 goals-against average and is making 13 saves per contest.
John Haus is in his 12th season as the head coach of the Dutchmen with an 85-91 record at Lebanon Valley. He has taken his team to the MAC Commonwealth Tournament six times, reaching the semifinals twice.
Climbing The Ladder
With his three helpers this season,
Paz Gismondi moved into fifth place all-time for the Pride in assists. Next on the list is Robert Clemens who dished 110 dimes from 2011-14. Gismondi is also closing in on the top-10 in points as his 143 are 25 behind Luke Weber (2005-08).
Top Notch Transition
Coach
Jamie Lockard always puts an emphasis on getting the ball from the defensive side of midfield and into the attacking area. This season, however, Widener has exceeded anyone's expectations, going 50-for-53 on clear attempts so far including a perfect 33-for-33 in its first two games. Its 94.3 percent clearing percentage leads the conference and ranks second in all of NCAAD3.
Spreading The Scoring
While teams often have a go-to player when they need a goal, having multiple options so the defense can't key on one player is a big advantage. The Blue and Gold has taken that concept to the extreme this season as 21 players have found the back of the net and 12 have scored multiple times.
Nick Brennan leads the way with six with
Jayce Dyer and
Connor Heisman finding rope five times a piece.
Day One Contributors
Through three games, first year players have played a key role for the Pride. Two of the team's top-5 point scorers are in their rookie campaigns.
Nick Brennan has racked up six points off his team-high six goals while
Mike Kala'i has recorded five off fours scores and an assist.
Matt Buckley ranks third on the team in ground balls (9) and fourth in caused turnovers (2). On face-offs,
Elijah Whiting has seen some action, winning five of his seven battles.
Familiar Face(off)s
A successful attack starts in the face-off circle. Returning sophomore
Adam Oldrati boasts an impressive 64.4 percent face-off winning percentage this season, dominating 38-of-59 battles so far. He also comes away with the ball on many of his wins and leads the Blue and Gold with 20 ground balls. Junior
Sean Gibson has also won over 50 percent of his face-offs, besting his opponent in 16-of-27 meetings (59.3 pct.).
The Votes Are In
In the Week 5 USILA Top-20 Rankings, Widener received seven votes. The Pride is one of three MAC Commonwealth teams either in the poll or receiving votes, joining No. 7 York (Pa.) and No. 15 Stevenson.
Up Next
Widener goes back on the road to battle Hood in another MAC Commonwealth matchup on Saturday, March 27. Opening face-off from Frederick, Md. is scheduled for 1 p.m.
