Lasell Men's Lacrosse 2010 Preview

The Lasers are coming off a disappointing campaign in 2009.  The team finished the season 5-10 and missed the Pilgrim League playoffs for the first time in three years.  The team hopes to regain their form from 2008, when they finished the season 10-7 and made the championship game in the ECAC Tournament against Endicott College.  "We are an extremely young team this se ason," says Head Coach Tim Dunton, "but we are extremely pleased with our depth, and I feel as though we can compete for a league championship this year." 

The 2010 season marks the last in the Pilgrim League for the Lasers as they will move into the GNAC for 2011 and beyond.  This season's schedule is highlighted by a March 16^thcontest against 8^th ranked Tufts University.  Lasell will also face tough tests against the likes of other NESCAC schools with Bates and Trinity on the schedule.  Hamilton, Roger Williams, and Keene State also round out other big out-of-conference match ups.  The Lasers will be visiting Pilgrim League foes Springfield and Wheaton while having a home contest with Babson.  MIT, Norwich, Mass. Maritime and Clark finish out conference play.  The Lasers begin their 2010 campaign on March 3^rd at the University of New England, where they hope to avenge last year's 11 to 8 loss.

OFFENSE 
  
The 2010 Laser attack unit will be entering this season with a combined total of seven starts from a year ago.  Although they are a young inexperienced unit, they have been working hard and have formed good chemistry together.  "I don't think about how we have sophomores and freshmen starting for us," Associate Head Coach Matt Shinney says, "hopefully that is a problem our opponents are worrying about at halftime."

New faces will also be seen at the midfield position, as junior Chris Bulkley (Groton, CT) is the highest returning scorer with ten goals.  "There is plenty of room for improvement," Shinney says, "We have lacrosse players who have been taught how to put themselves in a position to score and create opportunities for their teammates to finish.  We as a staff will not hold their hands and allow them to walk through the motions. This team knows they need to work hard to reach the goals we set.  We as a program will not tolerate anything less than dedication and understanding the importance of hard work."

 
ATTACK

 
Sophomore Jon Elia (East Lyme, CT) is very consistent and has good tools he can use to help initiate from behind.  A good strong athletic player, Jon is comfortable with pressure and making smart decisions.  With a game winning goal from last season, Elia will look to continue his big play ways in '10.  "I have been impressed with how Jon is maturing at his new position; he is starting to understand how to break down a defense and be in the right place at the right time," Shinney stated.  
  
At 6'3", sophomore Zach Wielgoszinski (Amherst, NH) will be a force to defend against.  Healthy for the first time since his state championship title as a senior at Bishop Guertin, Zach will look to prove he is one of the Pilgrim League's top attackmen.  "Big and strong, Zach will cause matchup problems for Lasell's opponents.  A pure finisher, Wielgoszinski makes the best of his scoring opportunities." 
  
Jake Lamorte (Walpole, MA) is a freshman who was a big contributing factor coming off a state championship season last year.  Jake has quickly shown that he can be put in the starting rotation.  "Lamorte has a great sense for the game and his quick hands and first step allow him to stay ahead of his defender.  With precision shooting and passing, Lamorte looks to have a successful season and career with the Lasers." 
  
Senior Brian Yepez (Hillsborough, NJ) is the only returning player with much experience.  He brings a presence to the attack that helps gel everyone together.  Although Yepez only played in nine games from last year, both the 2008 and 2007 seasons saw him tally 31 and 29 points respectively.  In that 2008 season, Yepez had a team high 17 assists.

 
MIDFIELD

Despite the loss of Mike Maggio (Winchester, MA) who finished with 95 goals and 40 assists during his four year Lasell career, the Lasers feel they have some depth to work with as six underclassmen look to make new significant careers and show their abilities.

"We are expecting big things from Hartwick transfer Chris Livelli (Hillsborough, NJ) this year," said Shinney.  "He is a workhorse that wanted to take on a big role in our offense.  Chris is the kid who goes to the gym and works out right after a long and hard 6am practice.  There are not many like him in the conference, Chris is capable of putting up big numbers."

Freshman Andrew Puopolo (Duxbury, MA) comes from a tradition where winning is expected. Shinney spoke highly about his young player, "Duxbury is one of the premiere high school programs in the country and "Pop" was part of three state championship teams.  He played under some pressure situations and he has the ability to take over a game when push comes to shove.  He will be on every opponent's scouting report and this coaching staff thinks he'll definitely be in the discussions for Pilgrim League Rookie of the Year."

Junior Chris Bulkley (Groton, CT) is one of the hardest workers and most dedicated players in Lasell's history.  "A great athlete, Chris is someone we can rely on to get up and down and play both sides of the ball.  With tremendous speed, Chris will be able to push transition and give the offense opportunities to score.  Chris is a leader and a competitor, the other players look up to him and he takes pride in motivating his teammates to work at being successful."

Sophomore Patrick Bresnahan (Manchester, NH) is a very talented midfielder. With a limited role last year, Patrick has stepped in and will make big contributions in '10. "Patrick isn't going to be able to fly under the radar screen for long, teams will take notice quickly," Shinney says.

Juniors Nick Sampson (Londonderry, NH) and Sam Wilcox (Norfolk, MA) look to help solidify the corps of midfielders.

FACE OFFS

Sophomore Adam Foss (Billerica, MA) returns this season as the team's top face off man.  He won 60% of his draws last year overall, and 65% in the Pilgrim League.  He is a pre-season First Team All-Pilgrim League selection.  He has the ability to create quick transition opportunities for the Lasers.  He also has the ability to create offense while on the field.  He will be a large reason the team is successful this season.  Freshman Atticus Robert (Concord, NH) and junior Anthony Erz (Hampton, NJ) will also see some time at the face off X this season. 

DEFENSE

The 2010 Laser defense returns four starters from last year's squad led by senior captain Matt Haversat (Monroe, CT), senior Owen McDonagh (Newton, MA), junior Alex Engels (Weston, VT) and sophomore Matthew Gagne (Longmeadow, MA).  Freshmen Brad Duhaime (Salem, MA) and Matthew Keiler (Salem, MA) look to jump into the mix and compete for a starting spot.  "This year's team will have a good mix of veterans along with some rookies and it will be crucial to create chemistry early in the season, defensive coordinator Ryan Walsh says, we will have some of the best poles in the league."

McDonagh looks to be the anchor of the defense.  He has quick feet along with an array of checks and is able to take the ball away from anyone on the field.  "His aggressive play really creates havoc on offensives," said Coach Walsh.  "If Owen is able to stay healthy then he will be one of the best defensemen in the Pilgrim League."

Haversat looks to start for the third year in a row.  Matt is one of the smartest players on the field and will act as the field general.  "Matt leads by example and rarely makes mistakes," said Walsh. 

As a sophomore, Gagne is a very talented defenseman that looks to play a key role in this year's squad.  "Matthew has the tools to become a great defensemen and I look for him to play a vital role in our success," Walsh stated.

Freshman Brad Duhaime looks to jump into the mix and start down low for the Lasers.  "Brad has all the tools to be a great defensemen, quick feet, great stick and plays physical.  He will have a crucial role in the success of this year's defensive squad."

Junior Rob Suh (Colchester, CT) and Freshman Matthew Keiler will look to fight for the starting spot at long-stick midfielder.  Rob is a smart player who directs traffic and is able to anticipate what the offense is planning on doing.  Matthew looks to be a shutdown defensemen this year and has unlimited potential.  "Matt can be one of the best defensemen in the Pilgrim League as a freshman," says Walsh, "I expect him to have a great freshmen year and he has the potential to become an All-American by the time his career is finished."

Freshman Frank Lento (Salem, MA) is set to be the top defensive midfielder for the Lasers. Frank plays with intensity that is unmatched with anyone on the field.  "It's always great to have a short stick defender who can match up with anyone," Walsh says. Sophomores Kyle Dickinson (Branford, CT) and Atticus Robert are competing for the second and third defensive midfielder positions.  Atticus made the switch from offensive midfielder to the defensive midfield position during the fall season and provides a great shooting ability in the transition game for the Lasers.

GOALIE

Junior captain Eric Walsh (Weymouth, MA), looks to be the starting keeper for the Lasers this year.  Eric has great leadership qualities that will be needed to help guide the Lasers in the right direction.  With his quick hands and his unmatched lacrosse IQ, Eric looks to be one of the best goalies in the Pilgrim League.  "Having Eric on the field is like having a coach in the net," says Coach Walsh, "it makes things easier having him between the pipes." 

Junior Mike Kelliher (Weymouth, MA) and Freshman Tyler Silliman (Windsor, CT) look to push Walsh for the starting spot.  Kelliher was the Lasers starting goalie last season and hopes to carry that success into this year's competition. "Mike is a mentally tough goalie that loves to compete and made over two hundred saves for us last year," said Walsh.