NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's lacrosse team returns home on Saturday to face Saint Joseph's College (Maine) for what will be the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener for both squads. Game time on Saturday at Sabine Field is set for 1 p.m.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the 12th meeting between the two programs dating back to 2011 when the Cadets welcomed the Monks to their first season in the GNAC by capturing an 11-7 victory. With the exception of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, the teams have played every year since then including twice in 2012 and 2018 when the teams met in the playoff rounds of the GNAC Tournament. Norwich has fared quite well over time as it has remained undefeated through the 11 contests. The Cadets have scored 117 goals over the course of the series while giving up just 55.
LAST MEETING
The teams last met on April 23, 2019, which saw the Cadets earn a 12-8 win at the SJC Athletics Complex. The Cadets used a run of four-unanswered goals to start the third quarter to break open a 4-4 tie at halftime and cruised to the victory securing the number two seed in that year's GNAC playoffs. Graduate Jack Anzalone netted five points via three goals and two assists while junior Parker Campbell put up six points via two goals and four assists. Senior Brendan Martin scored a goal and added an assist with two ground balls for the Monks.
SCOUTING THE MONKS
Saint Joseph's (Maine) (2-2) is coming off a 17-11 loss at the hands of New England College on Wednesday. In the early stages of 2021, the Monks are being outscored by their opponents averaging 13.25 goals while giving up 14 goals per game. The Monks boast an efficient offensive unit finding the range on 65 percent of their shots and scoring at a 33.1 percent clip. Martin ranks 22nd in the nation with a .633 shooting percentage and is 17th with 4.75 goals per game.
Martin is the main weapon on offense for the Monks, registering 19 goals on 30 shots while scoring at an 80.0 percent rate. His eight man-up goals rank at the top of the NCAA leaderboard. Senior Shane Puleo orchestrates the offense as witnessed by his team-leading 11 assists to match his 11 goals. Sophomore Max Lacy completes the three-headed offensive weapon with his nine goals and seven assists. Junior Michael Ionocha and sophomore Brannon Gilbert equally share the responsibilities in net with Ianocha capturing both of the team's wins with a 13.87 goals-against-average mark.
SCOUTING THE CADETS
Norwich (1-1) is also coming off a loss to New England College losing a close game last Saturday, 10-8. Through two games, the Cadets have utilized quality defense to limit opponents to just a 43 percent SOG percentage while surrendering 18 goals. The offense has tallied 28 goals while registering a 62.2 shots-on-goal percentage.
Anzalone has been the main offensive catalyst for the Cadets through two games, ranking 26th and 25th in the NCAA in goals per game (4.0) and points per game (6.0), respectively. As usual, the Cadets' attack is balanced with seven other players scoring multiple goals. Campbell adds four goals and an assist to lead those seven players while senior Kevin Horchak is second on the team in points with six (3G, 3A). Defensively, the Cadets have been stingy on allowing quality scoring opportunities giving up just nine goals per game. Senior Sean Wallace and freshman Mason McMahon lead the unit with six and five caused turnovers, respectively.
LIVE COVERAGE
Due to safety precautions this season, no spectators will be allowed at the athletic facilities, however, the game will be live-streamed on the Norwich Broadcast Network.
UP NEXT
Norwich will continue its GNAC competition in its next game on Wednesday when the Cadets host Rivier for a game at 7 p.m.
