M. Lax looking for first Ivy victory of season vs. Harvard

For a Penn men's lacrosse program looking to earn its first playoff berth in close to 15 years, tomorrow's matchup with Ivy League rival Harvard is more than a must-win.

Despite three victories in one of the nation's most difficult schedules, Penn has yet to establish itself as a legitimate contender within the Ivy League. A loss against Yale in last Saturday's Ancient Eight opener puts the team in a hole with games against Ivy superpowers Cornell and Princeton looming.

Nevertheless, the Quakers hope to capitalize on the momentum from a thrilling win over Bucknell on Tuesday. With the victory, the Quakers continued to impress on their home turf, preserving a one-goal lead despite a last-minute onslaught from the Bison.

The win "gives us a little bit of confidence, but I don't think we came away thinking we kicked the crap out of Bucknell," sophomore Jimmy Riordan said. "It could have gone either way at the end, but it was good to be able to finish it out like that."

The finish was important for a Penn squad that has seen late opportunities slip away in all three of its losses.

"Even when we got down a goal late, we kept fighting and came back," senior captain Will Phillips said. "I think we're going to try to use this to become a better second-half team."

The Quakers will need to feed off this victory if their playoff aspirations are to be reached. Another loss will seriously hinder the team's chances.

Penn coach Brian Voelker feels the Red and Blue are prepared for the difficult task ahead of them.

"It was great to get the close win against Bucknell, but winning Ivy games is what will give us a chance to make the playoffs," he said. "Harvard is very good -- they have a talented goalie and a tough, defensive mentality. We're still focused on coming out and doing well."

To do well against the visiting Crimson, Voelker believes his team will rely on well-balanced productivity by an unselfish offensive group.

"One thing we envisioned coming into this year is that we'd have a lot of guys scoring goals," Voelker said. "When we've won, that's happened."

With 22 points in six games, Phillips has been the offensive catalyst for Penn thus far. Riordan and sophomore midfielder D.J. Andrzejewski have been consistent contributors as well, scoring 23 points between them.

Riordan ranks second on the team with nine goals, while Andrzejewski leads the Quakers with eight assists.

Netting two goals in each of the last two games, midfielder P.J. Gilbert has solidified his offensive role. After a slow start, the sophomore has scored a goal in four straight games.

Phillips is confident in his team's chances the rest of the way.

"Every Ivy game is a winnable game for us from here out. The great thing about the league is that on any given day, whoever finishes down the stretch can win."

Riordan agrees.

"I think we have a really good chance of winning every game left on our schedule," he said. "Harvard will be a test; it will make or break us."

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