Brian Voelker must now do more with less.
Voelker, in his fifth year coaching Penn lacrosse, counted on veterans on defense to carry the Quakers. But after seeing that unit get outmuscled on Wednesday in a tight 13-12 win over Lehigh, he thinks that the key might lie in playing smarter, not harder.
Especially when trying to fill two giant holes left from last year's senior class.
"Andy Blechman and Joe Shanagan were the two guys we kind of looked to on the defensive end, so our personality is much different down there," Voelker said. "I don't know that we're as athletic now."
Athletic or not, Penn's defense will have plenty of chances to shine over spring break, when Penn hits the road for away matchups with Robert Morris, Bucknell and UMBC.
The Quakers swept those three opponents last year, although the UMBC and Robert Morris wins were at Franklin Field.
UMBC in particular proved to be one of the Quakers' biggest wins during last season's run to the NCAA Tournament. Penn beat the then-No. 17 Retrievers on an fast-break goal in overtime, a win that jump-started the then-No. 20 Quakers to road wins over Yale and Bucknell.
This year, Penn will have to get through a tough Bison squad to face UMBC without a loss on its record.
The Bison are also 2-0, and recently re-entered the national rankings at No. 17 after a thrilling win over Hobart to become the third Patriot League team in the top 20.
Two freshmen lead the potent Bucknell attack, Tim Brandau and Austin Winter. Winter is the distributor of the team - he leads it in points, with one goal and six assists, while sophomore midfielder Perry Menzies leads the team with five goals.
Robert Morris, though likely to improve on its horrendous 2006 season, should again serve as a tune-up midway through break. Penn throttled the Colonials 18-4 last year, and though Robert Morris has improved its lot since then, Penn still holds all the cards, even on the road.
"I have to be honest with our guys and say that this is a team that we should beat," Voelker said.
If nothing else, Robert Morris should offer Penn's inexperienced offense another chance to rack up scores before facing the stout defenses they will encounter in the Ivy League.
Craig Andrzejewski, after exploding for four goals and five assists, looks comfortable after switching from midfield to attack. But Voelker said that more than a standout game from one attacker will be required.
"He doesn't have to get nine points every game," he said, "but he does have to go out there are produce for us to be successful."
Judging by the last two, Penn might get some more big games from him anyway.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
