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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Activate Jake Withers

March 2, 2019 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have activated defenseman/faceoff specialist Jake Withers from the injured reserve list. The 25-year-old is expected to play in tonight's game against the Georgia Swarm. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena.

"It was one of the first times in my career, fortunately, that I have had to sit out and watch, which was a weird feeling over the past four games," he said. "It's good to get back in the lineup. I am excited. Hopefully, we can turn the tide and get some wins."

This season, the Peterborough, Ontario, native won 77 of 116 faceoffs, while notching four assists and 56 loose balls in five games. His faceoff winning percentage of 66 percent leads the National Lacrosse League.

Last season, Withers was named the 2018 NLL Rookie of the Year after setting the team and league rookie single-season records for faceoff wins (279). Rochester selected the Ohio State University product with the second overall pick 2017 NLL Entry Draft.

During the 2017-18 campaign, Withers played in all 18 regular season games and posted seven goals, five assists, and 148 loose balls. He finished the postseason with team playoff records for loose balls (56) and faceoff wins (88). After the completion of the 2018 NLL season, he won his second straight championship with the Peterborough Lakers.

Withers now returns to Rochester's active roster after last playing in a Jan. 26 win over the Buffalo Bandits. His versatility is what makes him so valuable to the Knighthawks.

"He gives us that opportunity to get the ball," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen, who also coaches Withers in Peterborough. "His defense is exceptional, and he is a competitor."

Rochester made room for Withers on the active roster by moving forward Cory Vitarelli to the short-term hold out list. Cory and his wife, Elizabeth, celebrated the birth of their first child on Tuesday.

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