The 2001 men's lacrosse team at Mary Washington College established itself again as one of the top defensive teams in the Capital Athletic Conference and among all NCAA DivisionJII programs, The Eagles allowed a school record low of 103 goals. and finished ranked 18th nationally in goals allowed per game, A. Series of heartbreaking losses in April derailed a run to the conference championship game.
This year's team will look to re-establish its defensive standard and develop an offense capable of taking the Eagles to the conference finals. At attack, sophomore Chris Doddridge is the team's returning scoring leader (l6 goals, four assists in 2001). Senior Will Gunther is capable of big game production, while' seniors Mike Malin, Brian Paice, and Matt Klingler will also compete for playing time among the transfers and freshmen entering in the fall. The attack will have to improve significantly if MWC is to climb back into the top half of the conference.
Joining the midfield corps after a year at attack will be senior Joe Boulier (13 goals, seven assists). Junior Middie Along with junior Jamie Test (eight goals, six assists), Paul Schutzman (eight goals, five assists), and face-off man Randy Fulk, the 2002 Eagles have a steady group lining up at first midfield. Speedsters Mark Malone and Ryan Zdanowicz saw considerable time in defensive midfield roles in '01, and junior Jeb Boland hopes to parlay his hard shot and good speed into a few more minutes and a few more goals. Mike D'Eredita also contributed in 2001 as a face-off man and short-stick midfielder. Terrell henry brings good speed and should move up a line. At long-stick midfielder, the early favorite appears to be Manny Niaz, whose size, speed, and skill could make him an all-conference prospect. The overall look at midfield is hopeful, but again, these units must improve, and freshmen and transfers will definitely figure into long range plans. In addition, MWC must replace All-CAC and North/South All-Star midfielder Ed Scopin, no mean feat.
At first look, the defensive unit would appear to be devastated by the loss of five seniors and four-year starting goalie Derrek Ostrzyzek, who finished his senior year ranked 15th nationally in save percentage (.648) and 12th nationally in goals allowed per game (7.74). Yet the defense should actually remain in pretty good shape. Returning to anchor this group will be senior Andrew Tremaglio, who had an excellent 2001 campaign. Rejoining the defense will be juniors John Snellinger and Tony Ridpath, who had been playing midfield, but have experience with the long-pole and understand the system well after two years in it. Sophomores
Brian Laudate and Brad Ferdinand also have big opportunities before them. In the goal, sophomore transfer Matt McConnell and freshman Matt Muller have big shoes to fill but should be up to the task.
The 2001 season saw several ups and downs, as the Eagles finished in fifth place in the Capital Athletic Conference. In addition to convincing wins against Catholic University and York College of PA, the Eagles hung into the end against league foes Maryrnount, St. Mary's, and Goucher, falling to the eventual tournament finalists on the road in overtime. Coach Glaeser's troops also won decisive victories at Shenandoah University and Swarthmore College, allowing just a combined six goals in those two contests while scoring 32 goals.
The 2002 Eagles will again face CAC rivals Salisbury State University, Maryrnount University, St. Mary's College, and Goucher College in addition to a very exciting nonconference schedule (including Virginia Wesleyan College, Elmira College, Richard Stockton University- and Shenandoah University) that features eight home games. On the heels of the teams. first-ever night game, played at nearby Maury Stadium, expect to see large crowds for the occasional weekend night games slated for 2002.
As always, newcomers and returnees will compete, for every roster spot and for playing time, Coach Glaeser's philosophy creates an intense tryout and practice setting, which leads to a better level of team play. Men's lacrosse continues to develop into a regional threat thanks to quality athletes and the dedication of the coaching staff.