Underpreview: Delaware vs. Bucknell

Men’s Lacrosse
Time: Saturday 1:00 p.m.

Location: Delaware Stadium
About the Teams:

About Delaware: The Hens are 1-0 (0-0 in CAA play), having won at High Point, 12-10, on Sunday. Senior attacker Eric Smith, sophomore attacker Brian Kormondy, senior midfielder Nick Diachenko and junior midfielder Connor McRoy all scored two goals. Senior attacker Sean Finegan, junior midfielder Danny Keane, sophomore midfielder Tom Holland and freshman attacker Connor Frisina all had one goal apiece.



About Bucknell: Bucknell opens its season against the Hens as the No. 18 ranked team in the USILA preseason coaches’ poll. Four of the Bison’s top five scorers have returned from last year, including junior attacker Todd Heritage, who scored 35 goals last season, the most on the team.

Why the Hens can win:

Offensively, Delaware is stronger this season than they were in 2012. Head coach Bob Shillinglaw said new players are working harder in practice and are even challenging some of the older players. In terms of the injury list, the team is better than they were last season. Shillinglaw said the team should get better as the season goes on. Unlike Bucknell, Delaware has already played a game, giving them the opportunity to correct some mistakes.

   
Why the Hens could lose:

Defensively, Delaware has much to be desired. The team needs to work on defensive communication. Also, Bucknell’s four returning top scorers have double digits, which could be a problem for the Hens’ goalies.

The Numbers:

11-10: The score of last year’s overtime victory against Bucknell.


179-150: The number of goals scored last season by Bucknell versus the Hens’ total.


23: The number of conference titles Delaware has.

The Prediction:

Bucknell’s rustiness from not playing a game before this one could help Delaware pull off the upset.


-Jack Cobourn
Sports Editor