UTICA, NY- The Utica University men's lacrosse team will continue its six-game road trip on Saturday, March 26 as the team takes on Wilkes University. Game time from Wilkes-Barre, PA is set for 1 p.m.
 
Last Time Out: In the first game back from spring break for Utica, the Pioneers fell to host Oswego State 18-8 in non-conference action on Wednesday afternoon. Senior John Avery (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) led the Pioneers with four goals, and now is just one goal away from being in the top-10 in career goals at Utica. Sophomore John Spoto (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon) added two goals of his own, while classmate Sam Serrano (Stone Ridge, NY/Roundout Valley) had one goal and one assist. Senior James Daniele (Pleasantville, NY/Pleasantville), like Avery, had a four-point outing against Oswego as well (one goal, three assists). Sophomore goaltender Jon Goodspeed (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) and freshman Patrick Oswald (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park ) combined for 13 saves in the loss.
 
Mr. Avery's Neighborhood: Senior John Avery (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) has picked up right where he left off last season in the team's first six outings. Avery currently leads the team with 13 goals, three man-up goals, 27 shots on goal and 56 total shots, while also being tied for the team lead in points (19). In just six games, Avery has already surpassed his previous season total for points, while tying a career high for assists in a single season (six). Avery is one goal away from being tied for 10th all-time with Justin Edelstein in Pioneer history for goals in a career.
 
Sammy Boy: In just ten career games played in a Pioneer uniform, sophomore Sam Serrano (Stone Ridge, NY/Roundout Valley) is off to a very impressive start. In the six games so far this season, Serrano is tied for the team lead with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists). Serrano has contributed at least two points in five of the six games this season, and the Pioneers are 3-0 when he has at least three points.
 
Defense Wins 'Chips: A large part of the Pioneers' success during the 2022 campaign has come on the defensive end. Senior captain Kevin Parisi (Glenwood, NJ/Vernon Township) has been a defensive menace for Utica this season. Parisi leads the team with 25 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers, and in his career, Parisi has 138 ground balls and 92 caused turnovers. Senior Josh Bennett (Watervliet, NY/Shaker) has also been impactful on the defensive side of the ball, tallying 22 ground balls this season, which is tied for his career-high for ground balls in a season. 
 
Like a Seasoned Vet: Goaltender Jon Goodspeed (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) has been a large part of Utica's success in his young career. In just six career starts, all of which have come this season, Goodspeed has averaged 9.385 goals allowed per game, a .584 save percentage and 12.17 saves per game. His 12.17 saves per game ranks fourth in the Empire 8.
 
Scouting Wilkes: The Colonels are currently 4-4 on the season and are coming off a 17-9 loss to Lebanon Valley College. Wilkes' offense has been a significant part of the team's success, as the Colonels are 4-0 when the offense has 11 or more goals. The team is led by senior Eric Ormsby, who already has a career-high in points in a season with 31 (18 goals, 13 assists) and senior Luke Palladino, who has 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists). In net, Ryan Lasher has made 75 saves while posting a goals against average of 11.80. Utica has only played two games against Wilkes, dropping both by less than 4 goals combined. The last time the teams played was on Feb. 26, 2020, where Utica lost 12-11. 

Looking Ahead: The Pioneers will complete their six-game road trip on Saturday, April 2 as the team heads to Union, NJ to take on Kean University. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.