Lycoming News

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- As Penn College's men's lacrosse team prepares for the United East Conference semifinal, coach Jordan Williams emphasizes the importance of not underestimating their opponents. Despite a recent 23-9 victory over Keystone College, Williams insists on preparing thoroughly for Wednesday's match against the same team.

"We can't just assume that the same thing is going to happen," Williams said. "We've got to prepare like we're playing for the national championship every single week."

The Wildcats are entering their fourth consecutive playoff season with records of 4-1 in conference play and 9-8 overall. Keystone stands at 3-2 in conference games and 6-9 overall.

Williams acknowledges Keystone's potential threat: "If we look past them, they have a lot of skill...they've got some good players that could make us pay."

The winner will face top-seeded St. Mary's (Md.) College on Saturday for a chance to enter the NCAA Division III tournament.

Reflecting on this season, Williams noted both progress and challenges: "Overall, there have been a lot of ups and downs...It's the second season now in the playoffs. We're at 0-0."

If Penn College advances to the final, they may meet St. Mary's again—a team they've struggled against historically, including an 18-3 defeat earlier this month.

"We've got to throw a lot of stuff at them to see what works," Williams said about facing St. Mary's again.

In all matches this season, Penn College has scored 216 goals while conceding 166. Aidan McFalls leads with impressive stats in conference play.