One week after knocking of its second top-15 opponent in as many games, the Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team takes on Penn State tomorrow in the 11th game of the all-time series.
The No. 9 Minutemen (6-2, 1-0 Conference Athletic Association) lead the series, 7-3, including a 9-8 win last season at Garber Field.
Coming off a 13-11 win over St. John’s, the Nittany Lions (1-7) are the home team this season.
While the Minutemen have the more successful season thus far, UMass coach Greg Cannella insists that PSU’s recent shortcomings mean nothing heading into today’s matchup.
“Penn State’s a really good, athletic team,” Cannella said. “I don’t think that they’re record is indicative of that right now. Traditionally, games between UMass and Penn State are one or two-goal games in the last six or seven years. It’s always been a close game.”
Last season, the Minutemen won on a goal by Jim Connolly in the final minute of the game. In that contest, the UMass defense pestered the Nittany Lions enough to cause 13 turnovers in the first half while the Minutemen offense built a two-goal lead by halftime.
PSU’s first-half woes followed them into their first season in the CAA along with UMass. In their first eight games, the Nittany Lions allowed an average of seven goals per game before halftime. In contrast, the PSU offense averages four goals per game in the first half.
The Minutemen goal total is spread out evenly, scoring an average of three goals per period.
Sophomore attacker Art Kell has 21 of UMass’ 110 goals this season, to go along with 12 assists and 11 ground balls.
Kell is as consistent offensively as anyone on the Minutemen roster. He has two points in each of UMass’ games this season and two goals in all but one game.
Kell, midfielder Ryan Hantverk and fellow attacker Mike Fetterly are the only remaining players from last season’s roster who scored on the Nittany Lions in the last meeting of the two teams, but there is still plenty of firepower to lead UMass against PSU.
Five Minutemen have double-digit goal totals this season, including sophomore midfielder Anthony Biscardi (13 goals, eight assists) and freshman attacker Will Manny (14 goals, 11 assists) who both come into this game after having dominant individual efforts in UMass’ 11-9 upset win over then-No.6 Hofstra.
The duo combined for three goals, four assists against the Pride.
While the Nittany Lions are a big, bruising team, Cannella feels that there are other things that the Minutemen need to look out for as well.
“They’ve got good size, I love their transition game and their quick-strike offense,” Cannella said. “Also, it’s our first time playing on grass so there are a lot of other things to deal with besides the good team that they have.”
PSU has five players with at least 10 goals this season, including attacker Matthew Mackrides, who is tied with Hofstra’s Jamie Lincoln for ninth in the nation in goals per game, with three. Along with his 21 goals, Mackrides also has five assists.
The game will start at 12 p.m.
Mike Gillmeister can be reached at [email protected].
