ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College men's lacrosse team will challenge its second consecutive nationally-ranked opponent this afternoon, when it squares off against 12th-ranked Ithaca College at 4:00 p.m. at Higgins Stadium in Ithaca, New York.
 
LAST TIME OUT: The Soaring Eagles welcomed then-20th-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology to Campus Field for an Empire 8 Conference contest on Saturday, April 22. The Ducks attacked EC early and often, as they jumped out to a 12-0 lead after the first quarter of play. This one-sided affair continued into the second half, as Elmira was held scoreless until the 8:26 mark of the third period, when Anthony LaRusso '17 capitalized on a man-up opportunity. Unfortunately for the Purple and Gold, this tally would stand as their lone score of the day. Stevens continued to control the match, as it cruised to the 19-goal victory, 20-1.
 
REACHING CAREER HIGHS: With just two games left on the 2017 schedule, a few different EC players have shots to reach career high in multiple offensive statistics. With his 15th goal on Saturday against the Ducks, LaRusso surpassed his previous career high in goals and his 17 points are two shy of the best point total of his career. With 18 points on 15 goals and three assists, Nevin Olney '18 has already tied his career high in goals and is one point shy of his career-best point total. Wyatt Katsos '17 has also tied his career with 10 goals on the year.  
 
SCOUTING ITHACA: After winning their first eight games, the Bombers have faced some adversity of late, dropping three of their last six matchups. However, these loses may be a little deceiving, as they include one-goal setbacks to ninth-ranked SUNY Cortland and 18th-ranked Stevens, and a two-goal loss to the fourth-ranked Rochester Institute of Technology. After its most recent bout, a 20-9 triumph over Alfred University on April 22, Ithaca stands at 11-3 overall and 5-1 in E8 play. The team's success this season can be attributed to its high-powered offense. Ithaca's conference-leading 15.93 goals per game average ranks 11th in the country. The key to this offensive success is the Bomber's exceptional ball movement, as they average 10.36 assists per game, which ranks first in the E8 and fifth in all of Division III. The main factor in Ithaca's high assist numbers is junior attacker Jake Cotton. The reigning United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) All-American Honorable Mention dishes out 2.62 assists per game, second most in the conference and 11th nationally. Another key contributor for the Bombers this season has been junior goalie Jack Deragon. At the beginning of the season, Deragon was tasked with replacing three-time Empire 8 Goalie of the Year Scott Sidnam and he answered that challenge. Deragon ranks second in the conference in both goals against average (5.87) and save percentage (.583), with both numbers ranking in the top-26 nationally.
 
SERIES HISTORY: Today's contest marks the 21st all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Bombers holding a 19-1 lead in the previous matchups.
 
LOOKING AHEAD: The Elmira men will conclude their season on Saturday, April 29, with a matchup against the Pioneers of Utica College at 1:00 p.m. at Campus Field. Saturday's bout will also represent Class of 2017 Recognition Day for the team.