D1:
Denver vs Penn State Noon @Jacksonville, fl – Moe’s Southwest Grill Lacrosse Classic takes place today and leading off the two game spree is Penn State versus Denver. Each team is 1-0, with the Pioneers coming off an impressive 14-12 victory over Duke and the Nittany Lions downing Michigan 11-6. Coach Tierney and Denver are led by sophomore attackman Eric Adamson, who put up 6 points (5G, 1A) and goaltender Ryan Laplante, who posted 18 saves (.600%) against the Blue Devils. In their game against the Wolverines, freshman attackman TJ Sanders tallied 5 points (4G, 1A), sophomore Shane Sturgis scored 4 goals and goalie Austin Kaut saw the ball well recording 12 saves on 18 shots (.667). Last year, Denver ran away from the Nittany Lions and picked up a convincing 14-6 win. It will be a battle of which goalie can stand on their heads with high tensions, as both teams look to keep their perfect season alive.
Duke vs. Mercer 1pm – 18-5 was the score when these two teams met in 2011 for the first time, with Duke holding the 1-0 record over Mercer’s young program. The blue Devils are 1-2 on the season, dropping heart breakers to Denver 14-12 and most recently Notre Dame 13-5. Their lone win comes from a 21-9 triumph over Jacksonville. Mercer downed Rollins last Saturday with a 13-3 blowout. Coach Danowski’s team has been unpredictable with play, but if they do compete as they did I the second half of their Notre Dame game, the Bears may have trouble keeping this one close.
Mount St. Marys vs. Bucknell 1pm – Mount Saint Mary’s hold host to Bucknell in this Sunday’s afternoon contest. The Bison are coming in with a 1-0 record after defeating Delaware 9-8 last Saturday. MSM was decleated by Maryland 23-6 just this past Tuesday. Last time these two met was in 2008, where The Mount saw the Bison celebrate a home 14-6 conquest. The Mount are looking to bounce back after a unsatisfactory outing against the Terps, but to do that, they will have to overcome a sound Bucknell team.
Jacksonville vs. Ohio State 4pm – In the second game of the Moe’s Southwest Grill Lacrosse Classic, the Dolphins from Jacksonville take on the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Starting goaltender for the Dolphins in 2012, Peter Deluca, didn’t play in their season opener against the Blue Devils, which may have been the difference maker but today he gets the nod and will make a big impact for the Dolphins defense. Ohio State got hold of their first win of 2013 over Detroit Mercy 14-8. This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams and looks to be a promising thriller.
Syracuse vs. Albany 4pm – It’s time to get the ball rolling in upstate New York. Syracuse opens its season today against heated rival Albany. 2012 saw the Orange perform under par, going just 9-8, and losing to Duke in the first round of the NCAA’s. The Great Dane’s have plateaued in their performance, repeating a five win season last year. Syracuse is itching to get on the field and wants to put down the Great Danes as they did in last season’s 12-7 win over Albany.
