April 6, 2011
By Will Donley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Nothing in college lacrosse is bigger than momentum. Goal scoring runs and winning streaks often determine the outcomes of individual games and full seasons, respectively.
This season, the Penn State men's lacrosse team has yet to master the big "MO." Sure, the team has put on goal scoring runs during games - like the late-game, three-goal run to defeat Lehigh. But with the team's longest winning streak holding steady at three games, the Nittany Lions have yet to consistently play to their potential. In order to make a late-season run into the CAA playoffs, Penn State may have to string together a six-game winning streak.
The Nittany Lions are 2-2 this spring following losses, including an early-season, three-game losing streak.
Following wins this season, Penn State is 2-2. The team's biggest follow-up win came against UMass. Following a home win against Rutgers, the Nittany Lions travelled to Amherst, Mass. to defeat the Minutemen.
It is yet to be determined how the Nittany Lions will fair following their dramatic win against Lehigh. The team will get the chance to prove that it can harness its momentum and move to 3-0 in the CAA with a win against Drexel Saturday.
The Dragons are 3-2 following wins this season. Drexel went on a four-game winning streak earlier this spring, defeating CAA foe St. Joe's along the way.
Following losses this spring, the Dragons are 2-2. Matching its longest losing streak of the season, Drexel has lost its last two games - both losses coming against CAA powerhouses Hofstra and Delaware.
The Dragons' potent offense will look to get Drexel back on track. Led by senior attackman Scott Perri (Smithtown, N.Y.), the Dragons have scored more than 10 goals in five games this spring. Perri leads the team with 42 points. The senior has scored 26 points and added 16 assists.
Sophomore attackman Robert Church (Coquitlam, B.C.) is second on the team in scoring with 31 points. With 16 goals and 15 assists, he offers a balanced attack for the Dragons.
At the midfield, Drexel is led by junior Kyle Bergman (Toronto, Ont.). The Canada native has tallied 11 goals and eight assists on the season.
The Dragons rely on two redshirt freshmen at the face off. Deven Thomas (Marlton, N.J.) is 78-132 on the season for a .591 winning percentage. Michael Row (Lutherville, Md.) is 51-100, which is good for a .510 winning percentage.
Defensively, the Dragons rely heavily on their All-American goalie Mark Manos (West Chester, Pa.). A Third Team All-American in 2010, Manos is 5-5 this spring with a .551 save percentage.
During the game on Jeffrey Field this Saturday at 1 p.m., momentum will swing one way or another. The Nittany Lions are hoping that with momentum on their side, they will be able to beat the Dragons for Penn State's third CAA win of the season.
Will Donley, Senior Attackman, Penn State Men's Lacrosse Team, GoPSUsports.com
