#3 Johns Hopkins (3-0) vs. #13 Princeton (1-0) 3/1/2013
The Blue Jays have dominated their opponents so far this season, scoring 14.6 goals a game, letting up only 6.6 points and winning by an average of 8. They are strong and fast in the transition part of the game, making it easy for their defense.
Zach Palmer (4G, 7A) has been hiding somewhat this season, although he and Brandon Benn (10G, 1A) are both tied with 11 points. John Ranagan (5G, 4A) has acquired himself with the new pace of play, taking advantage in transition. Ryan Brown has stepped up as the only freshman to have an impact on the Jay’s offense with six points (4G, 2A). Biggest surprise for Hop this year is junior midfielder, Rex Sanders, who has obtained five goals and has scored at least one each game. Mike Poppleton has won 40-50 face-off’s for the Blue Jays in three games. There is a lot of depth on offense for the Blue Jay’s, making them one of the more dangerous teams in NCAA lacrosse.
Pierce Bassett has been sound in cage, posting a .667 save percentage with 34 saves. Eric Schneider has seen some time in net, making 7 saves on ten shots in the two games against Siena and Michigan. Tucker Durkin (11 GB, 8 C/T) and company have stood strong on the defensive end, not letting offenses get the easy goal.
Chris Bates’ Tigers only have one game under their belt, which may make things difficult going up against a 3-0 squad. Luckily though, it came against a good Hofstra team. Ryan Ambler, a freshman out of Rydal, PA, leads the way for the orange and black with four points, followed by fellow attackman Mike Macdonald, who tallied three goals in their 10-7 routing of the Pride. Jake Froccaro and Tom Schreiber each posted three points themselves.
Matt O’Ctor got the nod to start between the pipes for the Tigers, replacing Tyler Fiorito. O’Ctor made six saves on 13 shots. He and the Princeton defense will have their work cut out for them going up against the surging Hopkins offense.
In 2012’s contest, Pietramala’s team only won by two. Transition will be key for the Tigers, both completing their own clears and possessing the ball, striking as much as possible. As well as, stopping the Blue Jays at the mid line and in the first and third quarters, where the blue and white have done most of their damage. This will be the 83rd meeting between the two teams, with Johns Hopkins leading 55-27, and it promises to be a thriller.
