By Greg Stevenson

Senior Writer

One week after entering the national top-20 polls for the first time this season, the Bison men’s lacrosse team proved itself again by taking down two top-ranked teams, the No. 20 Penn State Nittany Lions and the No. 16 Albany Great Danes. The two victories give the Orange and Blue an 8-2 record heading into the heart of their Patriot League schedule.

Behind a strong defensive effort, the Orange and Blue upended their in-state rivals Penn State 8-6 at home Tuesday night. Trading the first seven goals with the Nittany Lions, the Bison scored consecutive goals in a minute span midway through the second quarter to go up 5-4.

After leading by one at halftime, the Bison shut down the Nittany Lions’ attack in the second half, allowing just one goal. Goalie Kyle Feeney ’13 saved 14 Penn State shots, a season-high, and held the Nittany Lions scoreless in the final period.

Offensively, Chase Bailey ’13 and Ryan Klipstein ’11 each contributed two goals to lead the Orange and Blue. The goals from Klipstein were the only two in the second half by the Bison and provided the cushion needed to pull away from a tough Penn State squad.

On Saturday, the Bison hosted the Great Danes in another down-to-the-wire 11-9 victory for the Orange and Blue. The Bison outshot the Great Danes 54-22.

With the score tied at three early in the second quarter, Albany scored three straight goals in a two-minute span to take a 6-3 advantage.

The Bison registered five straight points at the end of the first half, reclaiming the lead. Klipstein led the way again, scoring twice and assisting on another goal in that stretch.

Trailing by two, Albany rallied early in the second half, scoring two straight to tie the score. Three straight goals by the Bison and solid defense in the final quarter were enough for the Orange and Blue to emerge victorious.

Peter Burke ’14, Todd Heritage ’14 and Charlie Streep ’12 each added multiple goals and an assist.

Throughout their non-conference schedule, the Bison have made Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium a difficult place to play for opponents. With the two wins at added this week, the Orange and Blue now have a perfect 6-0 record at home.

The Orange and Blue will host the Holy Cross Crusaders tomorrow at home. Last season, the Bison blew out the Crusaders 11-2 in Worcester, Mass.