High-Flying Men's Lacrosse Hosts Undefeated Providence on Saturday

The Hawks remain home to host Providence on Saturday.

SJU: Roster | Schedule | Stats

Providence: Roster | Schedule | Stats

PHILADELPHIA – The Hawks are coming off of an 11-8 upset over #20 Delaware on Tuesday afternoon. The Friars, receiving votes in all three major polls this week, haven't dropped a game yet this spring. The stage is set for a competitive, defensive match-up as the Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse squad (2-1) hosts Providence (3-0) this Saturday, February 22. Opening face-off is set for 1:00 p.m.

Fans attending the game can now purchase concessions at the official SJU concessions tent behind the Sweeney Field press box during the game.

Live streaming of Saturday's contest will be available free of charge through NEC Front Row, with Shane Taggert '17 on the call. For system requirements and best streaming practices, please visit: NEC Front Row. Live stats of all home games will also be provided via SJUHawks.com.

Through three games, Saint Joseph's sophomore face-off specialist Zach Cole ranks sixth nationally in face-off winning percentage, winning just about three of every four attempts (71.4%, 50-of-70), and is averaging 13.3 ground balls per contest, which is the second-highest total across all of Division I. Providence's RJ Romeo has taken all 61 of the Friars' face-offs this spring, winning 26 (42.6%).

For the second time this week, the Hawks will go up against a defensively-talented team, as Providence ranks second in the nation in scoring defense at a clip of 6.00 goals allowed per game, backstopped by back-to-back Big East Defensive Player of the Week goalkeeper Toby Burgdorf (3-0); the Friars have defeated Boston University, 12-5, Holy Cross, 6-4, and Bryant, 16-9. Saint Joseph's redshirt freshman Levi Anderson (6g, 2a), junior attackman Matt Tufano (2g, 4a), junior midfielder Evan Campbell (2g, 4a), junior attackman Shane Fable (4g, 1a), and freshman attackman Matt Bohmer (4g) will lead the Crimson and Gray's offense.

Providence's offense is powered by Matt Grillo (11g, 3a) and Sean Leahey (4g, 6a). Saint Joseph's senior goalkeeper Mike Adler (2-1) and his defensive core of seniors Tyler Makar and Josh Bosher, keys to SJU's win over #20 Delaware, and redshirt freshman Joe Burnham will look to shut down the Friars' top offensive duo.

LAST TIME OUT
The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team outscored Delaware 5-0 in the fourth quarter en route to an 11-8 come-from-behind victory at Sweeney Field on Tuesday. Senior goalkeeper Mike Adler made 18 saves on the day, sophomore face-off specialist Zach Cole went 10-of-11 from the X in the second half, and junior midfielder Shane Fable led the offense with three goals, including the eventual game-winner.

"After last week, it was awesome to rebound and come out firing," said Adler of the win. "Last year, they beat us pretty badly, so that provided some extra motivation. Add playing at Sweeney Field on top of that, and the energy was awesome. There is no better feeling than winning on Sweeney Field. This was fully a team win, and it was awesome to do it opening night on Sweeney."

COMING BACK FROM 2019...
On the offensive end of the field, Saint Joseph's returns 87.8 percent of its goal scoring production from a year ago. Returners with 10 or more goals from last spring include junior attackman Nate Patterson (18g), sophomore attackman Ryan Doran (18g), junior attackman Shane Fable (14g), junior midfielder Austin Strazzulla (11g), junior attackman Matt Tufano (10g), and junior midfielder Evan Campbell (10g).

The defensive end of the field will be led by a veteran group of seniors, as captain Mike Adler returns for his third year between the pipes, Tyler Makar returns for his third year of anchoring the close defensive group, and Liam Hare returns for his second year as SJU's top long stick midfielder.

Coming off of the most successful freshman season a Hawk has ever seen at the X, 2019 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year and 2020 Inside Lacrosse NEC Preseason Team selection Zach Cole is set to enter his second year as SJU's primary face-off specialist.

Be sure to follow the Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse program on Twitter and Instagram and like the Hawks on Facebook. Fans can receive all of the latest news and info on the men's lacrosse program with Hawk E-News.

Print Friendly Version