Dragons bests Villanova
Anthony Antinore
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Sports
Ambler was very satisfied with the team's response to a must-win game over the 19th ranked team in the country, according to the USILA Div. I coaches poll.
"Our backs were against the wall, and we responded with a great offensive performance," Ambler said.
The win gives Drexel a 1-3 record in the conference and an opportunity to sneak into the CAA championships. With two games remaining on the schedule, the Dragons have to focus on one game at a time and not look forward to the possibility of playing in the CAA playoffs.
Coach Bates knows his players have the ability to compete if given the chance to play in the postseason.
"We are as good as anyone," Bates said. "We focused all season on peaking at the right time, and we hope to be doing that now."
If the Dragons make it to the postseason, goaltender Manos will play an extremely important role. The 6-foot-1 freshman is currently first among CAA goaltenders in save percentage, stopping over 59 percent of all shots he's faced.
"Mark [Manos] has been a steady presence for our team all year," Bates said. "He has consistently been towards the top in conference statistics."
Ambler feels the team has not played its best lacrosse thus far. A thorough effort will be important in the team's final two games.
"One of our goals at this point is to put a complete 60-minute game together," Ambler said. "We have yet to do that this year."
The Dragons next matchup is against Sacred Heart, and they will finish up against long-time conference rival Delaware for the chance to participate in the CAA semifinals.
"Our backs were against the wall, and we responded with a great offensive performance," Ambler said.
The win gives Drexel a 1-3 record in the conference and an opportunity to sneak into the CAA championships. With two games remaining on the schedule, the Dragons have to focus on one game at a time and not look forward to the possibility of playing in the CAA playoffs.
Coach Bates knows his players have the ability to compete if given the chance to play in the postseason.
"We are as good as anyone," Bates said. "We focused all season on peaking at the right time, and we hope to be doing that now."
If the Dragons make it to the postseason, goaltender Manos will play an extremely important role. The 6-foot-1 freshman is currently first among CAA goaltenders in save percentage, stopping over 59 percent of all shots he's faced.
"Mark [Manos] has been a steady presence for our team all year," Bates said. "He has consistently been towards the top in conference statistics."
Ambler feels the team has not played its best lacrosse thus far. A thorough effort will be important in the team's final two games.
"One of our goals at this point is to put a complete 60-minute game together," Ambler said. "We have yet to do that this year."
The Dragons next matchup is against Sacred Heart, and they will finish up against long-time conference rival Delaware for the chance to participate in the CAA semifinals.
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