*Story by Andy Riesenberg
WILMINGTON, Ohio - The Wilmington College men's lacrosse team travels to Otterbein University this Wednesday, after not competing last Saturday due to COVID-19 protocols. First faceoff from Westerville is slated for 7 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington and Otterbein. Wilmington (0-6) enters a new month and the back half of the season as they begin round two of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The Fightin' Quakers have scored 15 goals on 73 attempts, giving them a 20.5% shooting percentage. They have increased their number of ground ball wins to 93, however continue to struggle at the face-off line, winning 33 of 163 attempts and committing 132 turnovers as they hit the mid-way point. Otterbein enters the week after a narrow two goal win against Ohio Northern at home on Saturday, giving them a five and two record so far. They have scored 79 goals on 284 attempts, leaving them with a 28% shooting percentage. They have gathered 199 ground balls so far and won 82 of their 147 face-off attempts, while committing 127 turnovers.
The Coaches: Jeff Arneson is in his fourth year leading the Wilmington men's lacrosse program. Prior to leading the Quakers to a 5-9 record two seasons ago, Arneson, a Wilmington High School alumnus, spent six seasons as head coach at Thiel College (Pennsylvania). Colin Hartnett is in the midts his 11th season with the Cardinals as head men's lacrosse coach. With his win at Marietta this season, Hartnett eclipses the one hundred wins mark after starting the program back in 2010.
The Players: Reed Beavers continues his streak in saves as he closes in on the leader in the OAC. Behind by only four saves, Beavers comes in confident after already facing his opponent in the first game of the season but will need support from the rest of the Fightin' Quakers. The Cardinals offense includes a trio of point scorers all with 10 goals so far this season. Xander Seal leads the way with 10 goals and nine assists, followed by Logan Fenech and Dekaider Jackson.
OAC Fan Policy: The OAC President's Council has updated its spectator policy to allow two individuals per student-athlete to attend home contests.
Series History: This is the seventh time these two programs have clashed, and Otterbein has claimed all victories so far. More information can be viewed by visiting the link above.
Social Media: Wilmington athletics is represented on Facebook (Wilmington College Athletics), Twitter (@DubCQuakers) and Instagram (@DubCQuakers). Follow all the happenings of Wilmington College on social media by using the hashtag "#WeAreDubC".
Coverage: Live statistics and live video of the game will be available – visit the link above.
Up Next: On a short turn around, Wilmington will head back on the road Saturday, April 10th as it travels to Cleveland to take on second seeded John Carroll (6-1) for a 1 P.M. contest.
