Feb. 7, 2008

PHILADELPHIA--The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team kicks off its season against #14 Delaware on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The Hawks, coming off a 6-12 season, were a game short of reaching the NCAA tournament, falling in the MAAC Championship.

The Fightin' Blue Hens, on the other hand, had a historic year. Delaware's dream season saw them sweep through the CAA Championship, upsetting nationally ranked Drexel and Towson.

Having to travel to Charlottesville, Va., the Hens knocked off #2 Virginia before taking out UMBC to advance to the Final Four of Division I lacrosse. There, Delaware fell to eventual national-champion Johns Hopkins.

While Delaware looks to return to the final four, SJU is trying to have a winning MAAC record for the third straight season under head coach Pat Cullinan. Saint Joseph's is tabbed to finish fourth in the 2008 MAAC season, while Siena was tabbed as the favorites.

Leading the Hawks are senior tri-captains Steve O'Brien, Pat Maxey, and Steve Varga. SJU returns seven of its top-nine scorers from last season as well as its standout goalkeeper, junior Erik Hotaling.

After the Hens come to Finnesey Field, Lehigh visits Hawk Hill for another Saturday afternoon clash on February 16. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.

--2/7/08