The Hobart lacrosse team will travel to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, this weekend for a non-conference matchup with Bucknell on Saturday, Feb. 21. Opening faceoff at Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m.
 
The game will be broadcast live on WHWS-FM (105.7 in Geneva) and webcast on ESPN+ with live stats available on bucknellbison.com.
 
DEFENSE SETTING THE TONE
 
Hobart's early success has been driven by one of the nation's top defensive units. The Statesmen (1-1) lead the country in opponent clearing percentage (.630) and rank among the national leaders in several other categories, including sixth in saves per game (14.0), ninth in scoring defense (7.5 goals allowed per game) and 11th in man-down defense (.900).
 
First-year goalie Michael Johnson has been exceptional to begin his collegiate career. He ranks fourth nationally in save percentage (.651) and ninth in goals-against average (7.50) while averaging 14.0 stops per contest, leading the Atlantic 10 Conference in all three categories.
 
In front of him, first-year defenseman Colman Craft has quickly emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the country. He ranks fifth nationally in caused turnovers per game (3.5).
 
POSSESSION BATTLE KEY
 
Senior Seamus Schofield has helped Hobart control tempo early in the season. He has won 60% of his faceoffs and leads the team with 10 ground balls.
 
BALLANCED OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION
 
Offensively, Hobart has relied on depth and balance with 12 different Statesmen recording at least one point this season. Senior David Peterkin (1-4) and sophomore Daniel Cano (4-1) lead the team with five points apiece.
 
SCOUTING REPORT
 
Following a 16-8 win over Iona on Tuesday, Bucknell is 3-1 to start the season. Three Bison have double digit point totals led by senior attackman Michael Meyer's 17 points (14-3). Bucknell is 14th in the nation in faceoff percentage thanks to the efforts of junior Colin McLoy (.625) and sophomore Zach Hepworth (592). Senior Jaz Zanelli has started all four games in goal, producing a 8.04 GAA and a .420 save percentage.
 
SERIES SNAPSHOT
 
Hobart leads the all-time series against Bucknell 18-8, but has just a 6-5 edge in Lewisburg. The teams met last season in Geneva, where Hobart rallied from a three-goal, fourth-quarter deficit to earn a 13–12 victory in the Poole Family Dome. Cade Dino scored the go-ahead goal with just 2:30 remaining, capping off his career-high four-point game.