LOUISVILLE, Ky.—After opening their Southern Conference schedule with a perfect 2-0 start, the Bellarmine Knights now move into a crucial phase of the 2016 schedule beginning with a noon showdown at home on Saturday, April 2 against the 14th-ranked Air Force Academy Falcons.

Also 2-0 in league play, the Falcons have reeled off eight straight wins including an impressive 10-9 overtime road victory over No. 11 Duke last Friday and a 7-5 decision over Detroit on Tuesday. Their No. 14 ranking (Cascade/Maverik Media Poll) is the highest in Air Force lacrosse history. The Falcons also are ranked No. 17 in the USILA Coaches Poll.

Earlier this week, the SoCon named AFA's Chris Walsch and Doug Gouchoe the league's offensive and defensive players of the week.

Walsch, a sophomore attacker, notched five goals and five assists in wins over Duke and Detroit last week. One of Walsch's goals was the game-winner in overtime at Duke.  On the season, he has 21 goals and a SoCon-leading 15 assists and leads the league in points per game (3.60).

Gouchoe, a senior goalie, picked up his fourth defensive player of the week award after registering 26 saves and recording a .650 save percentage.  He is leading the SoCon in goals-against average (6.76) and save percentage (58.9%).

The Falcons have plenty more weapons, however, as Christopher Allen is a two-time SoCon Offensive Player of the Week. On the season, the senior midfielder has racked up 19 goals and four assists. Sophomore Nick Hruby is third on the team in scoring with 13 goals and nine assists.

Bellarmine enters Saturday's game 4-5 overall with their latest action being a 7-9 loss at Providence last Saturday.

The Knights' offense is being led by junior Tucker Ciessau, who has amassed 15 goals and six assists on the year to lead Bellarmine in both categories. Jack Perkins, who is second in the SoCon in man-up goals, ranks second on the team with 12 goals and five assists.

Defensively, Chase Rose has started all nine games in goal for the Knights and is third in the conference in goals-against average. (9.14).  Taylor Stuart, last year's first team All-SoCon long stick midfielder, is having another outstanding year with 13 caused turnovers and 30 ground balls.

Bellarmine sophomore Connor Harryman is the league's leading faceoff specialist with a 60.5 win percentage.  He also is among the league leaders with 45 ground balls.

Saturday's game in "Bellarmine Sunglasses Day," and every fan attendance will receive a free pair of Bellarmine-branded sunglasses.

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Bellarmine (4-5, 2-0 SoCon) vs. No. 14/17 Air Force (8-2, 2-0 SoCon)
Date: Saturday, April 2
Time: Noon
Site: Louisville, KY
Venue: Owsley B. Frazier Stadium
Game Coverage:  LIVE STATS    LIVE VIDEO