The Binghamton men’s lacrosse team answered any questions about its erratic offense in its first conference test at Hartford last Saturday, scoring a school-record 16 goals. The Bearcats will look to build on that momentum at Vermont tomorrow at 1 p.m., but this time the key will be defense.

Vermont (7-3, 0-1 AE) has averaged almost 13 goals in its wins, scoring double digits in each victory, but averaged only six goals in its three losses. The Catamounts lead the America East in assists per game (7.5) and points per game, a staggering 18.3 to Binghamton’s 10.9. They are led by a pair of high-scoring attackmen in sophomore Jamie Kirk and senior Mike Maher.

The Catamounts will pass the ball well, but the Bearcats (5-3, 1-0 AE) have experienced senior goalie Kevin McKeown leading a mature defense. Last year, McKeown recorded 12 saves in a double-overtime victory over Vermont. The Bearcats also need sophomore midfielder Stephen Smith to continue his inspired play, having scored a school-record six goals against Hartford.

Picked second-to-last in the preseason poll, Vermont lost its first America East game to Stony Brook on Saturday. The Bearcats, who received votes in the latest national rankings, may claw their way back into the Top 20 with a convincing win.