Laxers beat Villanova, lose to snow during break

By CHRIS ANTONACCI
Collegian Staff Writer

It was supposed to be one of the most important weeks of the Penn State men's lacrosse team's season.

It was supposed to serve as a measuring stick for the Lions outside of their temporary lair -- Holuba Hall -- and a chance to prowl outside on the grass.

It was supposed to test whether the Nittany Lions were indeed a playoff caliber team.

Apparently, even the best-laid plans can be put to rest.

Spring break was not indicative of its name for the No. 11 Lions. Their games against No. 7 Georgetown yesterday and No. 8 Maryland last Wednesday in College Park, Md., were postponed because of snow.

Nonetheless, Penn State managed to squeak in a game last Friday against Villanova. It made the most of its opportunity.

The Lions, coming off their opening-game victory against then-No. 22 Notre Dame, defeated the Wildcats 13-7 to improve to 2-0. Penn State benefited greatly from midfielder Chris Schiller, who notched five goals in the winning effort.

"I am always happy with Schiller," said Penn State coach Glenn Thiel. "He can fly."

But Schiller's output was to be expected. After all, Schiller is a captain and a senior. Schiller, though, had a crony -- an unexpected partner in crime who had a breakthrough game.

Freshman Will Driscoll notched four goals to compliment Schiller's offensive potency, reeking havoc for the Villanova defense.

"(Driscoll) can shoot the ball with pin-point accuracy," Thiel said. "We are all looking froward to seeing what he can do this year. He's a fine lacrosse player. I wish he had speed like Schiller -- he probably does, too."

The attack chipped in as well.

Senior John Chescavage netted two goals, both assisted by Schiller. After he received the pass from Schiller, Chescavage found the net with authority, showing his shooting explosiveness. Dishing the ball out was junior Don Mayerhofer, who fed from behind the cage on three Lion goals.

Sean Huss continued to make his presence felt last weekend as he tallied one assist, coming off his one-goal, one-assist effort against the Fighting Irish.

Huss missed all of last season after he injured his rotator cuff in fall ball. But he's back, and the team is glad to have him.

"He's definitely going to step in and make an impact," said midfielder Mike Kern. "His shoulder seems fine."

For unranked Villanova, Chris Corr led the way, notching two goals and assisting on another. However, the Villanova attack had difficulty garnering possession, as Penn State won 18 of 22 faceoffs.

The Lions' match against the Terrapins has been re-scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday in College Park. No make-up date has been set for the Lions' contest against the Hoyas.