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MEN'S LACROSSE LOOKS TO CAPTURE 7TH STRAIGHT NAC TITLE
The 2010 Mount Ida College men's lacrosse team will look to capture their seventh consecutive North Atlantic Conference (NAC) title this coming season and hope to gain their fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance in as many years. The Mustangs and eight year Head Coach Andrew Fink, will look to continue their dominance in conference play heading into this year with a 45-1 overall NAC record through the past six years after losing their first league bid last year since joining the conference back in 2004.
Last season, Mount Ida faced a handful of tough non-conference opponents (E. Connecticut State University, Amherst College, Kean University, Tufts University, Babson College, and Springfield College) to beef up their schedule and get familiar with a very high caliber of play for the future of the program. The Mustangs snatched their first big non-conference win of the season against Pilgrim League member Babson College in an 8-7 nail biter.
After dropping their first ever conference loss in six seasons at the hands of league rival Castleton State College (14-11) on March 28, 2009, the Mustangs traveled up to see the Spartans competing for their sixth straight NAC championship bout between the squads since Mount Ida joined the conference in 2004. The Mustangs ultimately captured their sixth NAC title in as many years winning 25-9 behind a nine goal performance by alumnus Leo Shidler (Peabody, MA/Peabody).
This season, the test gets even tougher for the Mustangs, who will face another difficult schedule with strong non-conference competition throughout the year (Kean University, W. Connecticut State University, Amherst College, and E. Connecticut State University, and Babson College).
"I would say the difference in 2010 is a more balanced offense," said Coach Fink. "Having a little bit of a younger group, a better lacrosse I.Q., and better team speed will be the adjustments we'll make from 2009 to 2010 in our new run-and-gun system," he said.
The loss of the men's lacrosse program's most prolific and high profiled player, Brett Conley (Fairfield, CT/Fairfield Warde) who graduated last year and was named NAC Player-of-the-Year for the second time in his career, will be a difficult position for Fink to find a replacement for.
"I think when you lose a player like Brett (Conley) what you try to do is not rely on one guy anymore and try to spread things out a bit," said Head Coach Fink. "We'll try to rely not so much on attack this season like in the past with a player like Brett, but become a little more midfield friendly," he said.
"My strategy is changing from a slower system to more of a run-and-gun," said Fink. "I'm changing the entire scheme meaning this is the first year in eight seasons with a new, up tempo style instead of the 6v6 we were last year offensively," he said. "People ask me what's different and I tell them we're run and gun. We have the personnel to execute this system with much improved speed on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball something that I haven't had in the past with players like Brett (Conley) and Leo (Shidler)," he said.
Three seniors and one junior round out the captaincy for the season with senior's Bryan Seaman (Peabody, MA/Peabody), Dan Kelley (Bethany, CT/Amity Regional), Matt Vernik (Bethany, CT/Amity Regional) and junior Derek Broughton (Peabody, MA/Peabody) getting the nod to lead their teammates this season.
The Mustangs harvest seven seniors in 2010 with Seaman, Vernik, Kelley, Kevin Mulvey (Peabody, MA/Peabody), Michael Simone (Dover, NH/St. Thomas Aquinas), Brandon Keith (Barnstable, MA/Barnstable/Lasell College), and Chris Prophete (Waltham, MA/Waltham).
ATTACK
With the loss of a handful of key attack players (Conley, Shidler, etc.), the Mustangs will need a boost from several returning upperclassmen and a cluster of newcomers to conquer a successful offensive season for the six time NAC champion Mount Ida men's lacrosse program.
Leading scorer, program record holder for goals in a season (57), and 2009 team Most Valuable Player, junior Matthew Savage (Peabody, MA/Peabody), will need to carry a huge load this season and will be counted on with the loss of several Hall-of-Fame players around him from last year. Savage will need to step his game up in order to rise to the next level and become more than just a one dimensional player. Savage will be a vital part to the Mustangs offensive scheme this season.
Senior transfer Brandon Keith (Barnstable, MA/Barnstable/Lasell College) from Lasell College will be a huge impact player this season for the Mustangs. He was named Pilgrim League "player to watch" for the coming year until transferring to Mount Ida for the chance to claim a conference title. He could be a big time spark and has proved so far that he's a great pick-up. Given the right opportunity and the right system, Keith could step right in and lead the Mustangs in scoring like he did at Lasell last year.
Senior Michael Simone (Dover, NH/St. Thomas Aquinas) returns for his final season with the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse program bringing a ton of experience. "Mike will see quality minutes this year at attack with his solid off the ball skills," said Fink. "The better he does throughout the year, the more minutes he'll see".
Sophomore Billy Gerke (Essex, VT/Rice Memorial) returns for his second season and will need to get healthy after having mono recently. He has the opportunity to play multiple positions as a tall, lanky player as well as a quality shooter with good overall ability. He will bring versatility with playing both attack and midfield this year.
Sophomore Zach Jacobson (Shoreview, MN/Moundsview) is a unique player for Mount Ida this year with size and speed that the Mustangs don't usually have on attack. He's an impact player and when healthy can dominate a game. He spent almost the entire season on the injury list last year after hurting his knee earlier on. It's not looking very bright for Zach this year after a serious hamstring injury has plagued him throughout pre-season training.
Sophomore Ian Saunders (Glens Falls, NY/Glens Falls) is creeping up the ladder in his second season with the Mustangs. He shows flashes of potential and will be a solid depth player for Mount Ida throughout the season. Along with a ton of potential, Ian brings lots of skill but will need to put everything together this year to see quality minutes.
Freshmen Nick Yacuzzi (Oakham, MA/St. John's), Eric Pahiala (Derry, NH/Pinkerton Academy), John Whelan (Cranston, RI/Bishop Hendricken) and Bobby Czarnecki (Pittsfield, MA/Pittsfield) are four newcomers who all bring something to the table for Mount Ida this season as depth players. Yacuzzi is a very fast, athletic, attackman who will be one of the key impact players. Pahiaila brings lots of size and could be a player to watch down the line as he's still developing. Whelan shows a ton of potential as a left handed attackman and will learn a lot his freshman year. If he watches the upperclassmen and works hard he'll benefit greatly and learn the college game. Czarnecki will bring added depth to attack.
MIDFIELD
The "run-and-gun" style of offense Head Coach Andrew Fink and his staff will be running this year should showcase the Mustangs as a "midfield friendly" type of offensive scheme.
Junior Derek Broughton (Peabody, MA/Peabody) returns for his third season with the Mustangs and will be transitioning as a two way player at the offensive and defensive midfield positions in his second season as captain. Broughton, who benefited greatly from an outstanding sophomore year, shows good quality leadership and a very hard working, blue collar attitude. "Derek comes to practice and works hard every single day since the day he's arrived on campus," said Head Coach Fink. "He's one of the best defensive middy's we have and knows the defense better than any other midfielder we have".
Senior Christopher Prophete (Waltham, MA/Waltham) will be a quality veteran on the offensive side of the ball with solid shooting ability. According the coaching staff, Prophete is one of the most athletic players on the team. He can definitely take over a game if needed. He is approaching the 100 point club in his final season of play as well with 95 points.
Junior Paul Battapaglia (Clinton, CT/Morgan) was named fall ball's "Most Valuable Player" coming back in outstanding shape after the summer and will be vital as a runner, shooter, and dodger this year. Paul scored some huge goals last season against Tufts University during the regular season and two scores against Springfield College in the first round of the NCAA tournament showing that the more he grows the better player he'll be. Head Coach Fink feels that Paul could be one of the top-to-best midfielders this season; he's just waiting for Paul to put it all together.
Junior Dan Harrington (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) returns for his third season with the Mustangs working hard and enjoyed an outstanding fall ball. If he can get back to freshman year numbers, Dan has the potential to be the perfect player in the Mustangs new style system this season. "It's possible for Dan to have a real true breakout junior year in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC)," said Fink. "He had a tough sophomore year, looking back, he has come out with a different mentality this season, working hard in the gym," said Fink. "He has to step up and be the player for the younger kids to look up to now that he's an upperclassman."
Sophomore Derek O'Reilly (East Setauket, NY/Ward Melville) has returned for his second season with the Mustangs and will look to have a huge impact year. O'Reilly brings a very fast and athletic style of play and should have an outstanding sophomore year as one of the top midfielders. "He's definitely a rising sophomore," said Head Coach Fink.
Sophomore Sean Slattery (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) returns for his second year with the Mustangs and will play offensive midfielder switching from defensive midfielder last season. He's a gritty, hard working, tough, ground ball machine that does everything a defensive midfielder should do. "Slatts" will need to improve on his skills but came back with a lot more muscle after working hard in the gym in the offseason.
Sophomore Brendan Hylan (Clinton, CT/Morgan) will join the Mustangs in his second year with the program. Hylan is another solid defensive midfielder with a hard working, blue collar style that will help in multiple roles this season. "Hylan is a sharp kid who knows the playbook well," said Coach Fink.
Freshmen midfielder's Jake Davis (Chester, NH/Pinkerton Academy), Ryan Tirelli (Yorktown, NY/Yorktown), Mike Durand (Londonderry, NY/Londonderry), and Matt Ferrick (Dorchester, MA/Catholic Memorial) will all bring something to the table for the midfield this season. Davis is a hardworking freshman coming from a solid high school program who will be a depth player at midfield. Tirelli will play defensive midfield along the same role as 2009 graduate Andrew Morton did last year with lots of speed. Durand has good potential with a quick step and very similar to Sean Slattery's type of style. Ferrick will also bring added depth to the defensive midfield position.
DEFENSE
Senior Kevin Mulvey (Peabody, MA/Peabody) returns for his final season as a member of the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse program. If healthy, Mulvey could be a big impact player on and off the field especially with all the experience's he has gone through during his time with the Mustangs. He is one of the most aggressive players on the team and will play to the end with a "never quit" attitude. "Mulvey has been through a lot during his time here, but I think that changes a kid," said Head Coach Fink. "He really wears his heart on his sleeve and it should be a huge year for him." "I think he's the most vocal player on the team and a very well rounded and solid kid effort wise with the example he sets," said Fink.
Senior Bryan Seaman (Peabody, MA/Peabody) will also return for his final season as a member of the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse program. Seaman has been named captain for the first time in his career bringing veteran leadership and tons of experience. His tireless work ethic will be vital to the team this season.
Senior Dan Kelley (Bethany, CT/Amity Regional) will also return for his final season as a member of the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse program. Kelley, along with Seaman, has also been named captain for the first time in his career bringing experience and veteran leadership. He works very hard in the gym to stay in shape and will need to turn it up for his final season as a Mustang.
Sophomore Michael Conway (Grafton, MA/Blackstone Valley Tech.) will join the Mustangs for his second season with the program. Conway is the perfect student-athlete working hard in the classroom and in the gym. Conway was named Most-Improved-Player last year. "Conway will be important to this team and is essential to the program, great classroom kid," said Coach Fink.
Junior Bill Eagan (North Andover, MA/North Andover) returns to the Mustangs for his third season. A second team NAC all-conference selection last year, Eagan's experience and versatility will be his key contributions this year. "Bill runs hard and brings a ton of experience to the team. He'll also bring a lot of depth to the long stick midfielder position this season as well," said Head Coach Fink.
Sophomore Sean Maher (Ashland, MA/Ashland) returns to the Mustangs for his second year with the program. Maher is recovering from major ACL surgery on his knee. He was a starter at one point last season but he suffered a major setback with the injury. Maher is constantly working hard in the gym and is tough on his teammates. "Sean is one of the toughest, most hard working kids I've coached in eight years," said Coach Fink. "He understands what the coaching staff is looking to sell. He has a huge heart. He's an awesome kid," he said.
Sophomore Riley O'Brien (North Kingstown, RI/North Kingstown) also returns for his second season with the program. O'Brien has transformed himself through the offseason losing over 35 pounds showing up to camp in great shape. Through hard work, O'Brien will get quality minutes as he needs to learn the defense a little better for more time.
Sophomore Stephen Tomasco (Milford, CT/Trumbull) returns to the Mustangs for his second season of play. Tomasco's stick has improved greatly overall so far this year working very hard and putting in the time and will see some minutes this season.
Sophomore Pat McGovern (Bristol, RI/Mount Hope) returns for his second season with the Mount Ida men's lacrosse program. McGovern has been nursing an injury early this year and will not be back till mid March. He will look to bring added depth to the defense this season.
Freshman Nick Maurais (Peabody, MA/Peabody) and Will Krach (Agawan, MA/Agawam) will both bring depth to the defense this year. Maurais is a transfer from Essex Community College who brings a Seaman style to the field with good size and stick skills. Krach worked harder than anyone else in fall ball as well as in the gym and brings a bigger, stronger presence.
LONG STICK MIDFIELDERS
Sophomore Carl Grimo (Bristol, RI/LaSalle Academy) returns for his second year with the program. Grimo suffered a major collar bone injury the first game of the season against Curry College last year. He is aggressive, athletic players who will improve the defense with his intensity. "It'll be good to have him back after his first game injury last year," said Fink.
Freshman Brandon Brown (Monroe, CT/Masuk) will be entering his first year with the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse program. He's a small, athletic player with solid stick skills and will bring added depth to the long stick midfield position.
GOALTENDERS
Goaltender is one of the deepest positions on the field this season. There are five players contending for the position with three sophomore returners, a senior and freshman. Senior Matthew Vernik (Bethany, CT/Amity Regional), sophomore's Jimmy McAllister (Smithfield, RI/LaSalle Academy), Justin Famiglietti (Peabody, MA/Peabody), Craig Naftal (Bellmore, NY/JFK), and freshman Chandler Webb (Quincy, MA/Bishop Hendricken, RI) will be the five competing for playing time in 2010.
"We're really deep at goaltender this season with five guys that all have skill," said Head Coach Fink. "Vernik has been solid for us throughout his career and knows the system and the defense really well. He's like having another coach on the field."
The three returning sophomore's (Famiglietti, Naftal, McAllister) all saw significant minutes last season that Coach Fink split well to give each player a chance to prove themselves. "All these guys saw valuable minutes last season so it's definitely an open position right now," said Fink. "It's definitely a good quality depth spot as one of the strongest and deepest positions on the team. Any one of those guys could start."
"Jimmy's (McAllister) performance against Springfield in the first round of the NCAA's was solid," said Fink. "Fam (Famiglietti) performed well last season winning us the championship. We have three to four guys that could legitimately start right now so it'll be interesting to see who wants it more."
"This is our last year in the NAC and the team and the staff definitely want to go out on a high note," said Fink. "Trying to achieve our seventh championship is going to be hard work in a much improved conference this season. Everyone is recruiting hard now and I think it's going to take a lot of hard work to get our seventh championship and hopefully another opportunity to represent the conference in the NCAA tournament."
