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Photo taken by Brianna Seren Rosso
Photo taken by Brianna Seren Rosso
Posted: Apr 28, 2022

No. 3 Knights Look to Defend The Kingdom

By Spencer Dean

Rosedale, Md.— The #3 nationally ranked CCBC Essex Knights Lacrosse program wrapped up their 2022 regular season on Saturday, April 23rd with a win over Mercer County Community College. The Knights finished the regular season with an overall record of 7-3, including 2-2 in conference. The Knights were dominant at home, going 4-1 in the Kingdom. The Essex Knights only home loss was suffered by then #5 Harford Community College on Saturday, March 26th by a score of 11-9. 

As a unit, the Knights offense scored 191 goals, averaging a remarkable 19.1 goals per game, in addition to recording 118 assists. Essex outscored their opponents 191-89 throughout the season, converting 38.8% of man-up opportunities.

Leading the Knights offensively is Wyatt Antkiewicz, who scored 28 goals on the season. Connor Covey is second on the team in terms of goal scoring with 21, followed by Pat Ruffolo who netted 20 goals on the year. Joshua Schelfe leads the Knights in assists, totaling an incredible 32 assists. Schelfe and Antkiewicz are leading the team in points with 44 and 37 respectively, while Covey and Ruffolo each have 27 points on the season as well.

Faceoff opportunities are led by Zachary Ouassil who has converted 78 of 128 faceoff opportunities, followed by Liam Kammar who won 70 of 118 from the circle. Starting goalie, Jacob Lantz, leads the Knights on saves on the season with 63 saves in nine games played. Following his efforts was Jacob Smith, who compiled 29 saves in nine appearances.

Defensively, the Knights were able to cause 131 turnovers while having a clear percentage of 88.4%. Nicholas Woodard is the heart and soul of the Knights defense as his impact is felt on the field each and every matchup. Woodard leads the team in caused turnovers with 15, and was featured as an All-American in the 2021 season for Essex.

The Essex Knights closed out the regular season on a four game winning streak, which sets them up quite nicely for the NJCAA Region 20 tournament starting Friday, April 29th. CCBC Essex will be hosting the NJCAA Region 20 tournament this year, which features the top three teams in the country. The number three ranked Knights face number two ranked Howard Community College at 5pm on Friday, April 29th in the second semifinals game of the Region 20 tournament. The tournament final will be played on Sunday, May 1st at 1pm.