Bucknell Men's Lacrosse Hosts Cleveland State for 2021 Opener

Sunday, March 7

Lewisburg, Pa.

12 p.m.

Bucknell University

Cleveland State

Photo by: Phil Puccio

Bucknell Men's Lacrosse Hosts Cleveland State for 2021 Opener

3/4/2021 11:30:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse

A SEASON PREVIEW IS INCLUDED BELOW THE GAME NOTES

Cleveland State (0-1) vs. Bucknell (0-0, 0-0 PL)
When: Sunday, March 7 – 12 p.m.
Where: Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium – Lewisburg, Pa.
Live Stats: BucknellBison.com
Follow on Twitter: @Bucknell_MLAX

NOTICE: Because Bucknell University's campus is closed to the public, no spectators will be permitted at home events until further notice.

Bucknell at a Glance
• Bucknell was originally scheduled to open Patriot League play at Navy this weekend. That game was postponed due to the Naval Academy being under a restriction of movement for the next 10 days.
• In 2020, the Bison went 5-1 (0-0 PL). The week their season was canceled due to the COVID-19 public health threat, they were ranked 20th in the USILA Coaches' Poll.
• In 2019, Bucknell posted a 6-9 (4-4 PL) record. The Bison closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak and earned their 13th Patriot League Tournament berth in 15 seasons.
• Bucknell was selected to finish sixth in the 2021 Patriot League preseason poll. Defenseman Bryant Boswell and midfielder Harry Wellford represented the Bison on the Preseason All-Patriot League Team.
• Defenseman Travis Talarico was tabbed as an Honorable Mention Preseason All-American by both the USILA and Inside Lacrosse. He was joined on the USILA squad by Wellford.
• Bucknell lost two of its three 2019 All-Patriot League honorees to graduation, returning only Boswell.
• Most notably, the Bison will need to replace attackman Will Yorke, the 2020 Inside Lacrosse Breakthrough Player of the Year who finished that abbreviated season as the Patriot League leader in goals per game (4.17), a figure good for third nationally. Yorke also led the team in goals in both 2020 (25) and 2019 (34).
• Bucknell returns the other four players who rounded out its top five in points a year ago. Attackman Tommy Sopko finished second among Bison in goals in both 2020 (16) and 2019 (28) while attackman Alston Tarry led the team in assists (14) and went second to Yorke in points (26) in 2020.
• On the defensive side of the ball, Bucknell's most notable loss was 2019 All-Patriot League defenseman Conor Shears. The Bison return their starting goalie, Ben Clark, two of their top three defensemen and the majority of their defensive midfielders.
• Boswell, Clark, Sopko and Nick Clarke are serving as team captains this year.
• Frank Fedorjaka is in his 16th season as Bucknell's head coach and 21st campaign as a collegiate head coach. He is just the second head coach in Bison men's lacrosse history.

Cleveland State at a Glance
• Cleveland State is currently 0-1 in 2021.
• The Vikings are in their final season competing as an NCAA Division I independent; they will join the ASUN Conference as an affiliate member ahead of the 2022 campaign.
• Cleveland State, which began competition in 2017, went 2-5 during its abbreviated 2020 campaign.
• The Vikings posted an 8-7 record in 2019, finishing above .500 for the first time in program history.
• This will be the first ever meeting between Bucknell and Cleveland State.

A Look Ahead
• The Bison host Lehigh on Sunday, March 14 at 12 p.m. The game will be their 2021 Patriot League opener.

Season Preview

Deep. Talented. Hungry. These are the three words that head coach Frank Fedorjaka consistently used to describe his 2021 Bucknell men's lacrosse team.

"I'm really excited about this team," said Fedorjaka, who is entering his 16th season at the helm of the program. "Across the board, it's one of the deepest teams I've ever had. This team just doesn't have any weaknesses. Not only that, we have at least one standout, or even multiple standouts, at every position. We're grateful to be back, and we're hoping we'll be able to put together a full season so we can see how good we really are."

When the 2020 campaign was cut short due to the COVID-19 public health threat, the Bison were on a roll. Nationally ranked, with a 5-1 record and 88-59 goals differential, they appeared poised to make a run in the wide-open Patriot League race.

Bucknell's last game ultimately came on February 29. Its Patriot League opener at Boston University was canceled the week before COVID-19 prompted the shutdown of all collegiate athletics.

"We've haven't forgotten our 2020 season ended in February," Fedorjaka said. "Our BU game was one of the only games in the nation that didn't get played due to COVID-19 concerns a full week before everything was shut down. To reboot from that and get ready for Loyola, and then have that game taken away as well, was really emotionally draining. What happened last year has made us appreciate that we're preparing for a new season even more. We couldn't be more excited to go against someone wearing a different color jersey."

While Fedorjaka acknowledged that the four seniors he lost to graduation will be missed, he believes that his team will pick up right where it left off in 2020. The key, he said, will be navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 public health threat.

"COVID-19 is a massive challenge, and it's always on our mind," Fedorjaka said. "Our first goal is to keep our team and our community safe. There are so many things we have to navigate beyond just playing lacrosse, from travel logistics to laundry loops to doing a lot of small group work. The teams that find a way to embrace the added adversity will be the ones that succeed."

Below is a position by position breakdown of the 2021 Bison.

Attack
Returnees: Jack Feda, Brenden Lundy, Tommy Sopko, Alston Tarry
Newcomers: Patrick Ciquera, Dutch Furlong, Henry Quaintance

One of Bucknell's breakout stars of 2019, Will Yorke was on track to have a record-breaking 2020 when the season was cut short. With 31 points (25g-6a) in just six games, he finished as the Patriot League leader in goals per game (4.17), a figure good for third nationally. In what proved to be his final game as a Bison, he broke the school record in goals (9) and matched the school standard in points (11) against Marist.

Though Bucknell will miss the dynamic, high-scoring lefty, Fedorjaka is confident in the trio of attackmen who will run his offense.

"Attack will be one of the strengths of our team," Fedorjaka said. "It's a veteran unit with mostly upperclassmen. They're all offensively minded and understand the importance of riding when we lose the ball. We obviously lost Will, but I still feel they can create opportunities for themselves and for their teammates. They can also finish opportunities created for them by our midfield or our transition game."

Tommy Sopko is going into his fourth season as a starter. He has started all 36 of the Bison's games during his time in Lewisburg to date, logging 88 points (68g-20a). He has ranked in the team's top three in goals each of the previous three seasons, taking second to Yorke in 2019 (28) and 2020 (16).

"Tommy has improved every year, and this year is no different," Fedorjaka said. "He's quicker, stronger and better with his off hand and outside shot. He's finishing at a higher rate, and I'm really pleased with his work ethic. He's committed to being the best player he can be."

As he does for Sopko, Fedorjaka has high expectations for junior Alston Tarry. The crafty set-up man led Bucknell with 14 assists in 2020 and finished third on the team with 36 points (25g-11a) in 2019.

"We're looking for big things from 'A.T.' this year," Fedorjaka said. "He has amazing vision, great strength and a quick first step. He's exceptional at feeding guys and can also go to the goal. His lacrosse IQ and versatility are what make him special."

Stepping into Yorke's role on the left side will be junior Brenden Lundy. A lefty like Yorke, the Canadian spent his first two seasons in a reserve role; in high school, he won a national title as a member of Team Ontario and made the All-Star Team at the All-Canada Games.

"Brenden is doing a great job on the left side for us," Fedorjaka said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence right now, and he works really hard. We couldn't be happier with his progress and how he's adapting to his expanded role."

Sophomore Jack Feda is expected to be next up at attack. A two-time All-State First Team pick who graduated with Greenwich High School's school record in career goals (199), he spent his first season as a Bison as a reserve midfielder.

"Jack is probably our most improved player from last year to this year," Fedorjaka said. "He's a really explosive player with a great shot. There won't be any drop off when he steps in for us."

Offensive Midfield
Returnees: Matthew Barkauskas, C.J. Baroni, Jack Billitier, Sumner Brumbaugh, Brendan Egan, Brian Miller, Colin O'Brien, Garrett Sweely, Zach Tucker, Harry Wellford
Newcomers: Tanner Germain, Ethan Gyllenhaal, Mac MacLean, Richie Striano

Bucknell's depth is nowhere more apparent than at offensive midfield.

"This is the deepest group of midfielders I've ever had the pleasure of coaching," Fedorjaka said. "There really is three lines worth of guys who can help us on game day, and we do intend to use two lines almost evenly. This unit has athleticism, skill and depth. What it will boil down to is their ability to make good decisions, ride and clear at a high level and break down the defense and create their own shots."

Leading the way is sophomore Harry Wellford, who was selected as an Honorable Mention Preseason All-American by the USILA. The lone freshman to start all six of the Bison's 2020 games, he finished fourth on the team in goals (10) and points (12). In high school, he became the first three-time All-American and four-time all-state first team selection in Missouri history.

"He's a horse," Fedorjaka said. "He's one of the more talented midfielders I've coached. Beyond his obvious talent, the best thing about Harry is he's put together the thinking part of the game. He's now handling double teams, throwing skip passes and making feeds right off the dodge as well as we can expect. He's much improved from last year, and he's diversified his game."

Fedorjaka noted that "there are a number of guys who can run with Harry on the first midfield line." Entering the season, the two leading candidates are junior transfer Tanner Germain and senior Sumner Brumbaugh. Germain, who comes from a lacrosse family, joined Bucknell out of Nassau Community College. Brumbaugh, a former attacker, logged 10 points on equal totals of goals and assists in 2020.

"They both had a great fall, and they each bring something different to our midfield," Fedorjaka said. "Tanner brings a lot of athleticism and size. He's a really tough guy to cover. Sumner is a former attackman so he can dodge, feed and finish. He's playing like a senior. He's playing hard and is making really good decisions."

The Bison's second line will likely feature junior Matthew Barkauskas and senior Brendan Egan. Barkauskas, a former attackman like Brumbaugh, has logged 19 points (13g-6a) in 21 career games. Egan, a former reserve, is looking to make his senior year his best yet in the orange and blue.

"Both are smart lacrosse players," Fedorjaka said. "Matt is very good at playing within our system. He consistently makes the best decision possible. Brendan has worked very hard to improve his shooting accuracy and ability to feed. It looks like he'll have a strong senior year."

The sixth spot is currently up for grabs. Fedorjaka highlighted freshman Richie Striano and sophomore C.J. Baroni as two underclassmen to watch.

Defensive Midfield
Returnees: J.J. Alicea, Nick Clarke, Reid Delanois (LSM), Luke Diiorio (LSM), Matt Fedorjaka, Frankie Higgins (LSM), Jared Hodell, Joe Scattareggia, Andrew Stanzel
Newcomers: Danny Striano

Bucknell's depth at midfield isn't limited to the offensive side of the ball.

"Defensive midfield is another of our team's strengths," Fedorjaka said. "We have a lot of experience with a fifth-year senior, a senior and a junior leading the way. They've all logged lots of minutes and statistics, and they all understand our system really well."

At short-stick defensive midfielder, the Bison return fifth-year senior Matt Fedorjaka and senior Nick Clarke. Both, Fedorjaka said, are poised to be disruptive forces on defense and offensive threats in the clearing game.

Matt, Fedorjaka's son and the quintessential coach's kid, is taking advantage of his fifth year of eligibility. A former attackman and basketball point guard at Lewisburg High School, he is a tenacious player with a high lacrosse IQ. During his three seasons in the orange and blue, he has filled the stat sheet with 45 ground balls, 18 caused turnovers and 18 points (2g-16a).

"He's very, very hungry," Fedorjaka said. "He wants to win a championship. As we have in the past, we expect a lot from Matt. He's a great decision maker who can create offense from the defensive end because of his vision. He's also a great leader who excels at communicating within our defensive scheme."

Clarke, a former offensive midfielder who also doubles as a faceoff wing, was in the midst of a strong junior campaign when it was cut short. He posted 18 ground balls, seven points (2g-5a) and two caused turnovers in those six games.

"Nick is a dynamic athlete," Fedorjaka said. "He's very physical, and he flies around out there. Now, he has a much better understanding of our defense than he did when he transitioned over from offensive midfield. He will definitely create offense out of our clearing game."

With long-time contributor Hunter Newman lost to graduation, junior Reid Delanois will be Bucknell's primary long-stick defensive midfielder. Though Delanois has primarily served as a faceoff wing to date, Fedorjaka is confident that he will make an impact in his new feature role.

"Reid has worked really hard in the weight room," Fedorjaka said. "He's gotten faster and stronger, and he's playing with a ton of confidence because of it. He's a natural lefty who's great at picking off passes and getting the ball on the ground."

Delanois's backup will be fellow junior Frankie Higgins, who may also see minutes at close defense. Fedorjaka praised Higgins for his "great mind for the game" and his ability to "make nifty plays."

The "wildcard" of the Bison midfield, according to Fedorjaka, is sophomore transfer Danny Striano. In high school, Striano was a US Lacrosse All-American and two-time New York state champion.

"He's just a great lacrosse player," Fedorjaka said. "He can play first-line middie, first-line d-middie, the wings on faceoffs and long-stick middie. He'll be on the field quite a bit for us, doing a lot of different things. He's very fast, and he's going to surprise some people."

Defense
Returnees: Hank Bethel, Bryant Boswell, Travis Talarico, Drew Wellington
Newcomers: Duncan Hill, Sam Milardo

In 2021, Bucknell brings back two of its top three defenseman from a year ago in senior Bryant Boswell and junior Travis Talarico. Both are decorated, with Boswell making the 2019 All-Patriot League Second Team and Talarico being tabbed as a 2020 Honorable Mention All-American by Inside Lacrosse.

Boswell, an impact player since his freshman year, enters his final campaign with 87 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers in 35 career games. Known for his aggressive, physical play, he consistently matches up against the opposing team's top attackman.

"Everything starts with 'Boz,'" Fedorjaka said. "He's excellent at covering. He's big, strong and fast. He communicates very well and understands our defense. He's able to get the ball off the ground and has really improved his ability to knock down passes this year."

Talarico, who was also recognized as a 2021 Honorable Mention Preseason All-American by the USILA and Inside Lacrosse, had his breakout 2020 campaign cut short. That abbreviated season, he led the team in caused turnovers (15) and paced Bucknell defensemen in ground balls (23); nationally, he finished tied for fourth in caused turnovers per game (2.50).

"Travis lights up the stat sheet," Fedorjaka said. "He has a knack for getting the ball on the ground, whether it's by throwing a great check, goosing it so he can go get it where the other guy can't or knocking down passes."

While the Bison will miss Conor Shears, a 2019 All-Patriot League honoree, Fedorjaka is confident that junior Drew Wellington and sophomore Hank Bethel will step up.

"They each bring something different to our defense," Fedorjaka said. "Drew is a smart player who handles the ball well and knows how to play within our system. Hank is an intimidating presence who plays with a physical edge. He can squat 500 pounds and can shut down anyone he's assigned to cover."

Goalie
Returnees: Ben Clark, Daniel Parson, Jack Van Slyke

In 2020, Fedorjaka had the unenviable task of replacing his first ever four-year starter at goalie. Fedorjaka, who was in his 20th season overall as a head collegiate lacrosse coach at the time, admitted that two-time All-Patriot League pick Christian Klipstein was greatly missed.

In the end, Ben Clark seized the starting job. The former reserve turned in a strong abbreviated season, posting a 9.37 goals against average and .538 save percentage. Fedorjaka said that Clark, now a senior, appears poised to have a strong 2021 season.

"Ben is coming off a great half year as our starter," Fedorjaka said. "He has picked up right where he left off. If anything, he's playing with more confidence and energy. He's one of the more athletic goalies I've had here. He's terrific in the clearing game. He has a big frame and is doing a better job of communicating with his defense."

Faceoff Specialist
Returnees: Nick Crovatto, Conor McCusker
Newcomers: Brendan Coyle

As he did at goalie, Fedorjaka had to replace a four-year starter in the faceoff x a year ago. Jarett Witzal completely rewrote the Bucknell record book during his time in Lewisburg, graduating as the school record holder in seven different statistical categories, including career faceoff wins (609) and single-season faceoff percentage (.6173).

Nick Crovatto ultimately stepped up, winning 87 of 157 faceoffs (.554) on the abbreviated season; notably, he finished as the Patriot League leader in faceoff wins. He also collected a team-best 45 ground balls, bolstered by scooping up 12 against Furman and 11 against Sacred Heart.

"Like Ben, Nick is coming off a great half year as our starter," Fedorjaka said. "He's a warrior and one of the best leaders on the team. He's vocal and brings more energy and enthusiasm on a daily basis than any other player."

Fedorjaka also noted that the speedy Crovatto stands to benefit from NCAA lacrosse's new faceoff rules.

"The new faceoff rules will help Nick because quicker, more athletic faceoff guys are going to be more equipped to do better," Fedorjaka said. "And that's what Nick is—he's very athletic and very quick. He's probably a better athlete than most of the guys he'll go up against in terms of his speed."