The 2013 men's lacrosse conference season hits its midway point as three crucial America East contests, two of which feature teams that are 1-1 in league play, take place on Saturday.
At 1 p.m., Vermont hosts 12-ranked Albany and Binghamton welcomes Hartford while Stony Brook entertains UMBC at 4 p.m.
Albany at Vermont, 1 p.m. -- Live Video
The only matchup up of the weekend not featuring 1-1 teams pits #12 Albany (8-3, 2-0 AE) against Vermont (3-8, 0-2 AE) in Burlington. The Great Danes are 10-3 all-time against the Catamounts and won a 12-7 decision last season.
The Great Danes, one of the hottest teams in the country, come into this contest having won five straight and seven of their last eight games. Albany is averaging a league-best 15.1 goals per game this season behind the play of the Thompsons, Lyle, Miles and Ty, who have combined for 150 points already this season.
The Catamounts, who look to snap are equipped to slow down the high-powered Albany attack as they rank third in America East allowing 11.3 goals per game. Drew Philie and Graham Horvath have been the focal points of the offense this season, combining for 47 goals in 11 games.
Hartford at Binghamton, 1 p.m. -- Live Video | Live Stats
A critical contests takes place in Vestal this weekend as Bingahmton (5-5, 1-1 AE) hosts Hartford (5-5, 1-1). Both teams come in with identical records and tied for second place in the conference standings.
The Bearcats, who have won seven of their last eight against the Hawks, head into Saturday riding the momentum of their biggest win of the season to date, a thrilling 14-13 OT victory over Stony Brook last weekend.
The Hawks, who beat the Bearcats last season, are coming off a win over Holy Cross on Tuesday. Jack Bobzien paces Hartford and ranks fifth among league leaders with 35 points.
UMBC at Stony Brook, 4 p.m. -- Live Video | Live Stats
In a key game for teams tied for second in the league standings, Stony Brook (6-5. 1-1 AE) hosts UMBC (4-6, 1-1 AE). Despite trailing in the all-time series, 11-7, the Seawolves have won three straight over the Retrievers.
The Seawolves, which rank third in the league in scoring (10.8 gpg), are coming off a tough loss, as they battled back from a 13-4 third-quarter deficit vs. Binghamton last week to force overtime, before falling, 14-13 in the extra session.
The Retrievers, who rank second scoring 11.2 goals per contest, handily beat Vermont, 19-6, their last time out. Senior Scott Jones leads UMBC with 25 goals, including a career-high six goals last weekend against the Catamounts to earn Co-Player of the Week honors.