To counter the sluggishness the Crimson also spent the week working on transition offense and their standard plays in the six-on-six formation.

The biggest challenge for the Crimson will be Hobart's strong defense and the team's main offensive weapon, junior attackman Jared Beebe.

Although the Statesmen lost a talented goalie and much of its scoring power after last spring's graduation, the defense returns all four of its starting rotation and has added a couple of longsticks to add depth to the back line.

On offense, the Crimson must stop Bebee, the go to man on the Hobart offense. The 5-4 Bebee may look small next to his opposing aggressors, but he is a pest around the crease and a constant threat.

"We watched the tapes of their game against Army, and we saw how they limited his shot selection," DeVries said. "As they set their offense up around him, we have to do the same."

With only one game played thus far in the season, another concern for the Crimson is the lack of game time for inexperienced freshmen. Although a game against a team like BC would have been good for seasoning the green underclassmen, Hobart will be closer to trial by fire.

"As a junior I will certainly be looking to step it up a bit and take some pressure off the freshman in the beginning of the game," DeVries said. "I think the rest of the juniors and seniors will be looking to do the same. But they'll be right, they're a strong class."

The Crimson will need to utilize some of this young talent as only senior returned to the team this year.

The Crimson stick men will take on the Statesmen at 1 p.m. on Sunday.