2008 Overall Record: 9-4
2008 Eastern College Athletic Conference Record: 4-2
2009 Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Poll Ranking: 11
Season Outlook: With last year’s season ending in a disappointing overtime loss to Penn State, the men’s lacrosse team is looking to bounce back strong in 2009. The finish has clearly left a bad taste in the mouths of a few coaches and players.
“We thought we had done enough last year,” Head Coach Dave Urik said.
According to Urik, the team has all the confidence it needs to compete for a national championship this year.
Strengths: The Hoyas’ veteran defense will likely prove to be its strength this season, claiming the most returning starters of any position on the field. The backbone of the defense is returning All-American Barney Ehrmann, a junior who his coaches describe as “one of the best players that we’ve ever had in this program.” Alongside Ehrmann is junior defensemen Chris Nixon. In 2008, Nixon started all 18 games and was second on the team with 12 caused turnovers.
Players to Watch: As the 2009 season begins, it is clear that juniors Barney Ehrmann and Andrew Brancaccio will be key to the success of the Hoyas. Ehrmann is an excellent defensive midfielder whose ball skills are excellent both on the ground and on the carry. These strengths give him an important role in initiating the offense. Last season, Ehrmann started in all 13 games and led the team with 52 ground balls. He was also an All-ECAC First Team selection. In 2008, Brancaccio finished third on the team in goals with 18 and also earned an All-ECAC first team selection. With Ehrmann’s great play on both ends of the field and the attention that Brancaccio draws from the opponent’s defense, the Hoyas are poised for a fruitful season.
Key to Success: In order for the Hoyas to have a successful season, their relatively inexperienced offensive players will have to prove themselves for the first time. The returning starters on this side of the field are proven, quality players. Junior Ricky Mirabito accounted for 15 goals last season and tallied 5 five assists. Craig Dowd, also a junior, scored 14 goals and raked in 23 assists. Sophomores Ryan Shuler and Brett Weiss are both capable players, but they lack the experience of both Mirabito and Dowd. Shuler and Weiss will have to learn on the fly and gain the experience from their veteran teammates in order to deliver on their high potential.
Games to Watch: In the season opener, the Hoyas face one of the best teams in the country: Maryland. Also on their schedule is Duke, who has proven to be a formidable foe for the Hoyas over the past years. The Hoyas shouldn’t look too far ahead, though.
