Season Outlook

The Saints return many key players from last season, and have added a big class of talented freshmen who are looking to compete for playing time. Increased depth and a wealth of senior leadership have the Saints poised to build upon a successful 2011 season.

Attack

The attack unit should be one of the strengths of the Saints this season. The team returns two starters from last season’s squad and added good depth in the offseason. Once again the attack will be lead by seniors Ty Rosema and Nate McCorry.  Rosema, a talented playmaker, will look to direct the offense again after leading the team in assists and points last season. McCorry, the team’s third leading scorer last season, is steady and versatile and can also play midfield. A trio of newcomers will also look to contribute on the offensive end for the Saints. Casey Coretti is a strong finisher with a great lacrosse IQ. Freshman Grant Holloway is a talented dodger and also brings a strong outside shot. Fellow freshman Zack Brancheau is active and has great vision, and will also see time at midfield.

Midfield

The Saints also return key contributors at midfield. Senior Jacob Jeffers was an honorable mention all-conference selection last year as a faceoff specialist. Jeffers also sees time on the man-up and man-down units. Mark Evans is a tough two-way middie who is also strong at the face-off position.  Josh Jeszke was one of the teams leading scorers as a freshman. A tough matchup due to his athleticism, Jeszke is dangerous on the dodge and in the clearing game. Senior Jordan Matheny moves to short-stick midfield after starting the past three seasons at long stick midfield. Matheny’s experience in transition and on defense will be an asset. Mike Malloy has experience and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. An athletic and talented group of freshman will contribute as well. Jake Auyer is a smooth offensive midfielder with great stick skills. Very few players, if any, can match Tim Hansen’s strength and athleticism. Hansen will be dangerous in transition and with ground balls. Travis Mitchell adds a strong defensive presence to the midfield and will also contribute at the face-off x.

The Saints will look to use their depth at long-stick midfield to control the transition game and increase pressure. Returner Mike Ardis has developed into a reliable defender who brings athleticism to the position.  Freshman Austin Ensing is dangerous with the ball in transition and Hunter Perry is an aggressive and physical defender.

Defense

Once again the Saints defense will be anchored by James Burkhardt and Connor Sutton. Burkhardt has been named honorable mention all-conference at defense and is a threat to score or find the open man on the offensive side of the field. Sutton is a lock down defender who brings hard work and physicality to every play.  Four talented freshmen will look to add depth and compete for playing time.  Mitch Ringer brings a great field sense and awareness to the defense. Don Boyer is a quick learner with solid stick skills. Brad Smith is a physical defender with good size and Nick Rudufski is a tough defender who will make opponents work.

Goalie

The Saints will see some new faces in net this season. Junior Joe Cracchiolo returns for his third season and continues to improve as a ball-stopper. Freshman Jimmy Watt has the ability to make big saves and bring energy to the defense. Newcomer Joe Manuszak is quick and athletic, and will also contribute on the midfield.  The trio will push each other all year long as they back the Saints’ defense.

The Field