Lacrosse notebook: Drexel takes on tough Hofstra

The next step in ascension of the Drexel men's lacrosse program begins today.

After hosting their first home playoff game in 25 years last season, the Dragons have their sights set on reaching the NCAA Tournament.

Taking care of business within their conference is the surest way there. That task begins when the 11th-ranked Dragons open their Colonial Athletic Association schedule against No. 15 Hofstra at Vidas Field at 5 p.m.

Last season, the Dragons defeated three nationally ranked opponents, including top-ranked Virginia, posted the second-most wins in school history (11), and saw their name appear among the top 20 for this first time since coach Chris Bates took the reins in 1999.

Still, that wasn't enough to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney, and the Dragons' season ended with a CAA semifinal loss to Delaware.

"The CAA is not a huge league," said attacker Colin Ambler, who tops the Dragons with 25 points. "Every game is important. Our team goal is to win the CAA tournament. Last year, we had a couple big wins, but it didn't get us anywhere. We want an automatic qualifier through the conference tournament."

The Dragons (7-2), the highest-ranked CAA team, are again having an impressive season. They sandwiched a seven-game winning streak in between losses to Virginia and Notre Dame, both nationally ranked.

But the real hunt begins against Hofstra (3-3), which the Dragons edged, 8-7, last season for their first win against the Pride in program history. Defender Steve Grossi said he expects nothing short of a "dogfight" from Hofstra, which knocked off defending national champion John Hopkins earlier this season.

The Dragons will continue to rely on goalie Bruce Bickford, who tops the CAA with a 6.55 goals-against average and a .650 save percentage.

The senior has been one of the pivotal players in rebuilding Drexel's program. When he signed on as a freshman, the Dragons had finished their fifth losing season in six years.

Now, they are nationally ranked. "It was great to look at ourselves among the top teams in the country," Bickford said. "We know we can compete with those teams."

Penn's women eighth. The Dragons aren't the only nationally ranked lacrosse team in University City.

The Penn women's lacrosse team carries a No. 8 ranking into its game against Columbia at Franklin Field today at 3 p.m. The 6-1 Quakers are led by Melissa Lehman and Rachel Manson, who each have 13 goals. Goalie Sarah Waxman has a 6.23 goals-against average, second-best in the nation.

Division III report. Haverford College faces its third nationally ranked opponent today, when the Fords play No. 4 Washington College at home at 1 p.m. The Fords topped then-No. 14 Lynchburg, 14-13, in overtime at home, but fell to No. 2 Gettysburg, 17-12, on the road. Freshman Max Hjelm leads Haverford with 4.57 points per game.

Wings update. The Wings (7-2) need to prove capable of winning on the road, or they could lose their slim lead in the National Lacrosse League East Division. They play the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena tonight at 8:05.