Elmira College (1-2) vs. SUNY Cobleskill (2-2)
Saturday, March 19, 2016 | 1:00 P.M. | Notre Dame High School – Elmira, NY
 
Live Coverage | Twitter: @ECSoaringEagles
 
Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College men's lacrosse team will look to make it two straight wins when it continues its season-long four-game homestand against SUNY Cobleskill on Saturday, March 19^th. Opening faceoff at the Notre Dame High School turf complex is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
 
Last Time Out
Elmira picked up its first victory of the season on Wednesday evening when it downed Cazenovia College 11-10. The Soaring Eagles got off to a bit of a slow start, falling behind the visiting Wildcats 5-2 midway through the second quarter. However, the Purple and Gold found its rhythm down the final stretch of the second frame, scoring four unanswered goals, capped by TJ Leach's buzzer-beater, to take a 6-5 lead into halftime. The game remained close throughout the second half, before EC was able to provide the late-game heroics. Nevin Olney '18 pumped in the game-winner for Elmira off a loose-ball scrum with 2:53 to play to lift EC to victory.
 
Pradelski Breaks Out
Skyler Pradelski '16 entered the season as Elmira's leading point-getter among returning players; however, the Johnstown, NY, native was held in check through EC's first two games of the season. That wasn't the case on Wednesday against Cazenovia, as the senior attacker found the back of the net five times, which proved to be absolutely crucial in the Soaring Eagles' narrow victory over the Wildcats. Pradelski leads the team with six goals on the season and, with another effort like this past Wednesday, seems poised to shatter his previous season high for goals (14), which he set last season.
 
Olney Extends Scoring Streak
Nevin Olney '18 has been a consistent presence in the offensive end for the Soaring Eagles through three games this season. Olney has recorded a goal in each contest this year, while he added his first assist of the season in Wednesday's game against Cazenovia. His two-point effort against the Wildcats was his second straight multi-point effort, while his three-game scoring run is the longest of his young career. Olney is just one goal and point shy of tying his totals from last season.
 
Count on Cam
Goaltender Cam Prior '17 has been a strong backstop for the Soaring Eagles, since taking over the primary responsibilities in the Elmira cage late last season. He posted his third straight 20-plus save performance in the win over Cazenovia, denying 23 Wildcat shots in the 11-10 victory. With the effort, Prior is the first EC netminder in at least the last 14 seasons to post three consecutive 20-plus save efforts. He currently leads the conference by a wide margin with 68 saves, while his 22.67 saves-per-game average is the top mark in all of NCAA Division III.
 
Scouting SUNY Cobleskill
The Fighting Tigers enter this weekend's matchup with a record of 2-2 on the year. After kicking off the season with a pair of close victories over Green Mountain College and the College of Mount Saint Vincent, SUNY Cobleskill has hit a rough patch over its two most recent contests. Most recently, the Fighting Tigers found themselves on the wrong end of a 14-3 contest at Alvernia University on Tuesday, March 15th. Cobleskill hung within striking distance through the early portions of the second quarter; however, Alvernia scored nine unanswered to run away with the game. Senior attacker Alex Acompora powers the offense with 13 points on 10 goals and three assists. Junior John Montainiz is the team's primary goaltender, entering the weekend with 48 saves.
 
All-Time Series
Elmira and SUNY Cobleskill do not have a history of being common opponents. This year's meeting with the Fighting Tigers is the first contest between the two programs in at least the last 14 seasons.
 
Looking Ahead
The Soaring Eagles jump into Empire 8 Conference play when they welcome Nazareth College for a 1:00 p.m. clash on Saturday, March 26th. The Golden Flyers are ranked ninth in the latest United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Coaches Poll.