ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's lacrosse team is preparing to end their regular season slate at Trojan Stadium when they host the Coker University Cobras on Saturday (Apr. 17).
The Trojans enter this weekend with a 4-8 record (2-7 SAC), with the Cobras a game ahead at 5-7 (3-6 SAC). The winner of this game will clinch the sixth seed in the conference tournament and a trip to the quarterfinals hosted by the three seed. Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate both have an 8-1 conference record, meanwhile Limestone is third at 7-3. On March 31st, Anderson hosted Limestone and fell by a score of 16-11 in a hard-fought game.
The Cobras have won two of their last three games, including a 13-12 overtime victory at Catawba and a 17-8 win at home over Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday (Apr. 14). Joe Venazio paced the Cobras with five goals and four assists in the win over LMU, earning his 100th career goal in the process.
For Anderson, Isaiah Hines is currently tied for third in the SAC with 38 goals, coming off a five-goal performance in the loss at Queens last weekend. Garrett Hawkins has also been great on the attack for the Trojans with 23 goals scored. Cam Weeks leads the SAC with 157 GB's and a .727% faceoff winning percentage, which is fourth in all of NCAA Division II. Cam's 157 GB's and 14.27 GB's per game also leads Division II. Ryley Zopfi leads the team and is 10th in the SAC with 17 assists, while goalie Sean Ring is fifth in the SAC with 117 saves on the season.
"We are excited to go out there and have a chance to prove ourselves against a great opponent," said coach Albert Mitchell. "With a playoff berth on the line, our team is very excited and ready for the opportunity."
Saturday will also be senior day for the Trojans as the team will be honoring Jack Zilgme. He came to Anderson as a graduate transfer from College of Saint Rose, where he was a Northeast-10 Conference Academic Honor Roll all four years. This season, he has appeared in five games while scoring in the win over Alabama Huntsville on Feb. 17.
"Jack has brought so much to this program both on and off the field," said Mitchell. "His experience and knowledge have been very valuable. He is an incredible young man and leader on this team. We are grateful for his role in this young program."
Opening faceoff against Coker is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., with video and live stats available at www.autrojans.com.
