March 10, 2016
Rutgers Game Notes
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The No. 16 Rutgers men's lacrosse team has a big test this weekend, with a road contest upcoming at No. 18 Stony Brook. The Scarlet Knights are looking to improve on a 5-0 start to the season in the matchup against the Seawolves, who have begun the year at 3-1. The game starts at 6 p.m. Friday. There will be a live video stream provided by AmericaEast.com.
The Scarlet Knights have excelled in the opening five games of the season, outscoring opponents 71-41. Rutgers averages 14.2 goals per game, while limiting opponents to 8.2 a game. RU has continually won the battles for ground balls, picking up 64 more ground balls than its opponents (189-125).
Individually, Rutgers starting attack continues to prove it is one of the nation's best. Senior Scott Bieda (13 goals, 13 assists), sophomore Jules Heningburg (14 goals, five assists) and redshirt freshman Adam Charalambides (17 goals, six assists) form one of most potent trio's in the NCAA.
Defensively, short stick defensive midfielder Christian Mazzone has been a recent standout. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Mazzone has a team-best 22 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. Senior long-stick midfielder Zack Sikora, who was recently named a permanent captain alongside Bieda, also has 22 ground balls. Senior Kris Alleyne has made the last two starts between the pipes, stopping a combined 20 shots to earn those two wins. He boasts a 6.34 goals-against-average and .622 save percentage on the year.
Stony Brook is paced by Alex Corpolongo, who leads the squad with 11 goals. Matt Schutz (nine goals, six assists) and Challen Rogers (five goals, 10 assists) each share the team lead with 15 points. The Seawolves use two goalkeepers who have split the rminutes almost evenly thus far. Zach Oliveri has four starts with a .524 save percentage and a 10.00 goals-against average, while Brandon Maciejewski has a .717 save percentage and 6.68 goals-against-average playing in the second halves.
The Scarlet Knights lead the all-time series against Stony Brook 5-4. RU won the first four contests and five of the past six. The last Rutgers win over SBU was a 6-3 victory on March 28, 2006. Stony Brook has won the last three contests, including a 13-9 win last season at Rutgers despite four goals from Christian Trasolini. RU is 3-1 lifetime at Stony Brook.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RUlaxCoach) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
