Feb. 12, 2015
By Maria Canales, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Coming off a strong win against Vermont, the Penn State men's lacrosse team is looking forward to its first road match of the season. Traveling to Baltimore on Saturday to play No. 7-ranked Loyola, the Nittany Lions look to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Having played Notre Dame in their first road game in 2014, the Nittany Lions are no stranger to difficult early season games. Head coach Jeff Tambroni knows early tests like this challenge but ultimately benefit the team.
"It certainly gets your guys' attention, but I also think it allows us an appropriate litmus test of who and where we are," said Tambroni. "Scheduling games like this are an appropriate evaluation for your guys, so for good or for bad you know exactly where you are and you know what you have to work on."
The Nittany Lions know their road record has been better than at home for the past few seasons and they look to use this momentum to their advantage. Starting off home games with a win is great, but winning road games helps set the tone for the season overall.
"I think it's important to get off to a good start on the road," said Tambroni. "On the road you want to get off to a good start to build confidence within your guys and just establish the sense that it's just a game of lacrosse and no matter who's watching or where you're playing that it's about making plays on the field."
Away games give a new atmosphere to the game. Traveling with only teammates and coaches allows team members the opportunity to focus more narrowly on the task at hand.
"I think in a lot of ways our guys just seem to be a little bit more focused and prepared on the road," said Tambroni. "You can get away from some of the distractions that may be relevant here from school or some friends. You have to treat it like a business trip and make sure you're prepared mentally as well as physically. "
The team tends to travel by bus to most games within a seven-hour distance. Time like this is very precious in building team chemistry, as well as building relationships between coaches and the players. Many players spend their time doing homework, watching movies, or more often than not, catching up on much needed sleep.
Redshirt sophomore Drake Kreinz is no stranger to trips like these. Having started all 13 games in 2014, Kreinz knows what it's like to not have home-field advantage. The face-off specialist explained the focus of the team during the weekly preparations to take on the Greyhounds.
"To continue to bring the energy," said Kreinz. "If you don't bring the energy it's easy to lose focus so we're working on bringing the energy as well as staying mentally tough."
During last year's regular season matchup against Loyola, Penn State lost 12-11 in overtime to the Greyhounds. Although the win was one play away, Coach Tambroni emphasized the focus of this year's team is not on the past, but simply on how to get the outcome this time in their favor.
"We are focusing on Loyola, the 2015 version," said Tambroni. "We are focusing on that team right now. We want to build on the confidence that not only we build in practice, but what were able to do last year."
This year's matchup will be a tough task, but the Lions are eager to face the challenge.
"I think when you're together with your team and with the guys you're about to go to battle with I think everyone's got the same mindset and it's easy to just feed off each other," said Kreinz.
When asked what he is looking forward to most during this road trip.
"Just the opportunity to compete," said Kreinz.