After a trip to Florida, the Clarkson University Men's Lacrosse team returns north to begin its conference slate by traveling to Rochester and taking on third-ranked RIT on Saturday afternoon.

Clarkson comes into the weekend with a 2-4 record. Two of those losses have been one-goal losses, including Clarkson's last game, a 13-12 overtime loss to Salve Regina in Tampa, Florida.

Clarkson has been led by juniors Ryan St. Croix and Ryan DaRin. The pair have 24 of Clarkson's 44 goals this season. St. Croix is the top scorer with 14 goals and three assists, including the game-winning goal in both of Clarkson's wins. DaRin has four goals in two games this season, with a team-high six points against Brockport. Sam Groves has a team-high six helpers, putting him in a tie for eighth in the conference.

In goal, Nick Strandholm has started every game this year. He has double digit saves in three games this year, with his season-high 15 against Brockport. Kieth Mierzwa has played outstanding defense in front of Strandholm, as the senior has caused a team-high 13 turnovers and scooped up 16 ground balls. Nicholas Lenta, Marc Simmons, Austin Case, and Groves are the other Golden Knights with at least 10 ground balls. Lenta has been the top faceoff man for Clarkson, winning 55 percent of his draws.

RIT is 7-0 this season and is coming off a season with just one loss, which came in the national semifinals. RIT trails just St. Lawrence in goals per game and goals against average in the Liberty League. Ryan Lee leads the team with 23 goals and 27 points. In goal, Jarryd Lee is fourth in the conference in goals against average and save percentage. Clarkson has an all-time record of 14-26 against the Tigers, but has not beaten them since 2009.