Bryant hosts #17/18 Drexel Saturday at 1p

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's lacrosse team kicks off Spring Break with its third-straight home game against a nationally ranked opponent, this time hosting one of the country's elite offenses in No. 17/18 Drexel Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

The Bulldogs (2-2) will host the Dragons (3-2) in arguably the toughest matchup of the season, as Drexel challenges the Black and Gold at every position, boasting particular strengths in its high-powered offense and success at the faceoff X.

"This team is without question the best team we are going to face offensively, just look at the scores," said Bryant head coach Mike Pressler. "This is a team that scores in bunches, and they do a great job generating offense off the faceoff and in transition from defense to offense."

Through five games to open the 2014 season, Drexel has yet to be held to single-digit goals, an achievement the Bulldogs must strive for if they are to compete for the victory Saturday afternoon. The Dragons have victories over a pair of ranked opponents, taking a 14-13 win over then-No. 11 Albany in late February and topping No. 19 St. John's, 16-11, last time out, having only fallen to then-No. 7 Virginia, 11-10, in the opener and local rival Villanova, 11-10, in overtime.

"This is a game that we just can't let Drexel get into double digits," said Pressler. "If we can keep it a single-digit game, we have a great shot."

Much of Drexel's scoring has come from just a trio of players who have combined for 44 of the team's 68 goals and 64 of its 109 points. Redshirt-freshman attack Cole Shafer, senior linemate Nick Trizano and senior midfielder Ben McIntosh have been a deadly force for the Dragons, wreaking havoc on opposing defenses throughout the team's early schedule.

Shafer leads to pack in goals (16), assists (10) and points (26) and shoots with extreme accuracy, with more than 70 percent of his shots going on target this season. Trizano is close behind with 14 goals and six helpers (20 points), with McIntosh also finding the net 14 times with four assists, including a trio of man-up markers.

Ten other Dragons have found the back of the net this season, with nearly half of the roster contributing at least one point in 2014. And while the Bulldog defense will certainly have its hands full, so will one of Bryant's top weapons in junior faceoff specialist Kevin Massa (Huntington, N.Y.).

After a strong 14-of-21 performance against top New England counterpart Dylan Levings (Yale) a week ago, Massa enters what bills to be another battle at the X against Drexel junior Nick Saputo. Saputo is an impressive 76-of-119 (.639) so far this season, already averaging more than 10 ground balls per game. He has found the net twice as well, adding one assist while giving up just five turnovers. Deven Thomas as also found success in limited action at the faceoff X, entering Saturday 12-for-22 (.545) with 11 ground balls.

"We both faceoff very well, so that is going to be a tough matchup," said Pressler. "No. 16 [Saputo] is red hot right now."

But the onus will also fall on Bryant's offensive unit to get into a rhythm of its own, as well as the Bulldog defense to continue its strong play against three of the top scorers on the schedule. Part of that defensive effort will also involve the stellar play of sophomore goalie Gunnar Waldt (Freeland, Md.), who enters the contest with a 7.53 goals against average and .663 save percentage with 59 stops in four outings.

"We've just been OK offensively," said Pressler. "We haven't been consistent in four games, where play from our other areas has been consistent. We need more from more people – that continues to be our theme throughout this last week of practice and going into Spring Break.

"It's a collective effort," he added. "Gunnar has to make saves again – he might have to make 10 or more. Kevin has to win the battle at the X, and we have to value the ball on offense. Those three things have to happen for us to win."

Fans can watch Saturday's game live and free-of-charge on NECFrontRow.com.