UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's lacrosse team is set to host Oswego State on Wednesday, March 22 at 4 p.m. and Wilkes University on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m.
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend either of the home games can tune in for live video and/or stats via https://bit.ly/2wtxUV5.
 
Last Time Out: The Utica University men's lacrosse team fell to SUNY Brockport 10-4 on Wednesday, March 15. John Spoto (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon) led the charge for Utica with two goals in the contest. Nolan Shea (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) and Caiden Frey (Accord, NY/Roundout Valley) each recorded one goal while Michael Mecca (Oceanside, NY/Oceanside) and Jonathan Chilinski (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) each tallied one assist. In goal, Patrick Oswald (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park) made 11 saves while Jake Bowen (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) recorded one during the final 4:39 of play. Brockport outshot Utica 41-28 this afternoon and scooped up 38 ground balls to Utica's 20. The sides were nearly even in turnovers as Utica forced 19 turnovers while giving away 16. The game started off very slow paced with the defenses locking down the passing and shooting lanes. Brockport scored the game's first goal at the 3:52 mark and added one more to take a 2-0 lead after one quarter. The Golden Eagles scored the next five goals to open a 7-0 lead before Caiden Frey (Accord, NY/Roundout Valley) got Utica on the scoreboard at the 9:15 mark of the third quarter with an unassisted goal. Utica started to gain momentum scoring the last three goals of the contest. John Spoto (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon) and Nolan Shea (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) scored towards the end of the third quarter to bring Utica closer at 10-3. Spoto found the back of the net again at the 10:53 mark of the fourth quarter to make it a 10-4 game and it was the lone goal of the quarter. 
 
Lockdown Defense: Utica's defense has been strong this season allowing just 9.71 goals against average this season. The team has allowed 68 goals over its seven games which ranks second in the conference. The Pioneers have allowed 10 or less goals in five of their seven games this season and its defense has been able to keep the team in close games.
 
Let Connor Cook: Connor Costanza (Deer Park, NY/Deer Park) has been a vital piece of Utica's offense this season and leads the team in assists (seven) and is second in goals (eight), and points (15). Costanza has great field vision and sets up his teammates with great scoring chances. The sophomore averages 6.29 shots per game which is tied for eighth in the conference.
 
Heating Up: John Spoto (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Mendon) is heating up after turning in his best week of the season with 10 points over last week's three games. Spoto scored a hat trick against Castleton and followed this up with four goals and one assist against SUNY Canton. The junior recorded two goals against SUNY Brockport to conclude his fantastic week. Spoto is a key part of the offense and him heating up is a great sign for the Pioneers.
 
Scouting Oswego: The Lakers are 1-2 this season after dropping its most recent game to Hartwick 12-6 on Wednesday, March 15. Gavin Elston is the team's top scorer with seven goals while Corey O'Connor, and Max Brodman each have three goals this season. Liam Sexton is the team's top creator with four assists this season and is also second on the team with six points. Aiden Kenyon is the primary goalie for the Lakers and is 0-1 this season with 36 saves and a .507 save percentage over three games this season.
 
Looking at Wilkes: The Colonels sport a 2-4 record this season and beat Manhattanville 11-9 in its most recent game on Saturday, March 18. Colby Opromolla is the team's top facilitator with 10 assists this season and also has the most points with 15. Joseph Kozlowski leads Wilkes with 10 goals this season while Luke Weakland (eight goals), Tim Hartka (seven goals), and Dillion Kadis (seven goals) are all scoring threats. In net, Joseph Marino sports a 2-4 record with 91 saves and a .603 save percentage over six games this season.  

Up Next: The team will head to face the University of Scranton on Wednesday, March 29 at 4 p.m.