April 3, 2009

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College men's lacrosse team looks to earn its fifth-straight win of the season against Saint Joseph's University on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Friar Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. Friar fans can follow the game online by utilizing the gametracker feature on Friars.com. PC enters the game with a 4-4 record (3-0 MAAC) and a first place spot in the MAAC standings. The Friars could start 4-0 in the MAAC for the second-straight season and only the second time since PC entered the conference in 1996. Saint Joseph's sports a 4-5 record (2-1 MAAC) in 2009.

PC holds an 8-6 advantage in the all-time series versus the Hawks. Last season, Providence defeated Saint Joe's, 5-4, on April 12, 2008 in Philadelphia. The Friars are 3-2 at home, 4-3 on the road and 1-1 on neutral fields all-time against the Hawks. PC has not played Saint Joseph's at home since the 2005 season.

The Friars are coming off a 5-4 win over Canisius on Saturday, March 28 at the Friar Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. Senior goaltender Robert Bryan (Apex, N.C.) tied a personal best with 16 saves while allowing only four goals for a .800 save percentage. Bryan made an impressive seven saves in the first quarter and made three critical stops in the final quarter to maintain the Friars' one-goal advantage. For his efforts against the Golden Griffins, Bryan was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Week on March 30.

On the team's current four-game winning streak, the Friars have turned it on in the second half. PC is outscoring its opponents by a 16-8 mark in the final half during the streak. This second half surge was critical in the March 18 game versus Quinnipiac, in which the Friars overcame a 5-2 halftime deficit to post a 7-6 win. PC outscored the Bobcats 5-1 in the second half.

Saint Joseph's is 4-5 (2-1 MAAC) after defeating VMI, 9-6, on March 28 in Philadelphia.

Offensively, the Hawks are led by junior Sean Evans. The attack/midfielder has posted 23 points on 14 goals and nine assists this season. Junior attackman Charlie Gorman has recorded 11 goals and five assists on the year.

On defense, Saint Joe's is anchored by senior defender Tom Wengenosky. The Preseason MAAC Selection at defense ranks second on the team with 19 caused turnovers and has picked up 21 ground balls so far this season. Senior goaltender Eric Hotaling has played 476:42 minutes in goal this season. Jack has made 92 saves and allowed 69 goals for an 8.68 goals against average and .571 save percentage in 2009.

After Saturday's contest, Providence hits the road for a midweek nonconference matchup. The Friars will face off against Ivy League opponent Dartmouth on Tuesday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. in Hanover, N.H.