Bryant to host Highlanders on Saturday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. –  The Bryant University men's lacrosse team will host 7-2 NJIT this weekend in an America East Conference matchup at Beirne Stadium. The Black and Gold will be looking to improve to 2-1 against conference opponents following last week's victory over UMass Lowell. Faceoff is set for 12:00p.m. 

The Particulars
Opponent: NJIT
Location: Beirne Stadium (Smithfield, R.I.)
Date and Time: Saturday, March. 23rd– 12:00 p.m.
Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | #GoBryant | #AEMLax 

THE SERIES
This is the 2nd all-time meeting between the Bulldogs and the Highlanders. Last season, Bryant got the win in Newark by a final score of 16-8.

SCOUTING THE HIGHLANDERS
While NJIT started the season on a tear winning their first seven games of the year, it has been a different story since the start of conference play. The Highlanders dropped their conference opener at Vermont and then fell to Binghamton at home last week. NJIT presents a challenge for Bryant on the offensive end as the Highlanders are second in the nation in man-down defense (.829). Graduate faceoff specialist Billy Kroeger has also handled his own at the X with a winning over 60% of the time. He is also third in the NCAA in ground balls per game averaging 9.56. Senior attackman Arthur Miller leads the team in goals with 21 and graduate goalie Liam Brown has seen the majority of the time between the pipes for NJIT.    

BRYANT NOTES AND NOTABLES

• The Bulldogs had 2 players with hat-tricks in last season's game against NJIT. Jack Lonsinger led the team with 5 goals. He also picked up 2 ground balls and caused a turnover.

• The Bulldogs continue their dominant season at the X as they currently rank second in the nation in faceoff win percentage (674). Nathan LaLiberte returns to the top spot amongst individuals winning at a amongst individuals for faceoff win percentage; winning close to 70% of draws.

• The Black and Gold is also top five in the NCAA in ground balls per game with averaging 39.13.

• Freshman goaltender Scott Einarson did not allow a goal last week against UMass Lowell.

• Bryant has three players inside the top 15 for goals in the conference (Lonsinger, Hackett, Goltz).

• Drew Lucas is tied for third in the America East Conference in caused turnovers with 16 so far this year.

Follow Bryant University men's lacrosse on Facebook, X and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.