The Rochester Knighthawks are adding faceoff specialist Mike Sisselberger to the active roster, multiple sources tell Sticks In Lacrosse.
The Knighthawks have struggled at the faceoff spot in the early goings of the season. Taylor Jensen has taken the lion’s share of draws, but currently sits at a 35.7% win percentage. The NLL has seen teams lean into the faceoff specialist, as players like Trevor Baptiste, TD Ierlan, Joe Nardella, Jake Withers, Jay Thorimbert, Justin Inacio, Jeremy Thompson, Connor Farrell, even rookie Jake Naso are tilting possession for their respective clubs, having a dedicated faceoff specialist has become critical in roster building. Last year Joe Post handled the duty, but he is currently on the Holdout List.
Sisselberger played collegiately at Lehigh, and finished college as the holder of the single season NCAA record for faceoff winning percentage with 79.5%. He also holds Patriot League records for ground balls in a season (160) and ground balls in a game (21). Outdoors, Sisselberger plays for the two time defending champion Utah Archers in the Premier Lacrosse League. He was a finalist for both Rookie of the Year and Faceoff Specialist of the Year in 2023, finishing the season at 68% at the stripe. Sisselberger, who is listed at 5’9 and 200 lbs, also wrestled collegiately at Lehigh.
Rochester takes on Georgia this weekend, and then has a home and home with Halifax. This would pit Sisselberger against Jeremy Thompson, then Jake Withers twice, in his first three games in the NLL.
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