Adelphi Men's Lacrosse will begin their 2009 season on Friday, February 20, when they go up against St. Leo University.

The 2009 men's lacrosse season, under the direction of former player and second year head coach, Gordon Purdie, look to improve upon their 7-5, 3-3 ECC record from a year ago. Due to construction, the Panthers did not have a home turf as they hosted visiting teams at Hofstra University. Posting a 4-1 record at the Pride's athletic complex, the team looks to fair just as well, if not better on Competition Field, the new home of the Panther lacrosse team.

"As a former Panther, I know how much it means to be able to play in front of family, friends, and the effect it has on the team," according to Purdie, 2008 ECC Coach of the year. "Competition Field is one of the best facilities in the northeast and we are fortunate to be able to call it our new home."

Back in 2007, the Panthers got off to a great start by winning five of their first eight games, but faltered down the back end of the season dropping their last five. The 2008 season proved a similar beginning fate as they kicked off the year winning five of their first seven games, and dropping the first two of the final five. However, avoiding the path they went down in '07, they rebounded to win the final two out of three contests.

"With close games last year against ECC rivals, C.W. Post and NYIT, we hope to be on the other side of score sheet. Our one goal losses kept us out of the playoff picture; however, losing to the national champions by a single goal clearly showed we were competitive."

The East Coast Conference is one of the nation's strongest conference in division II lacrosse as over half (seven of eleven) of the First Team All-Americans were from ECC teams, while the same trend followed on the second team (eight of thirteen). Despite a fifth place conference finish, the men still managed to finish with a final national ranking of eighth along with four other conference teams in the top seven. With such a deep conference, the Panthers will have to continue to play at a high level in order to compete with their rival schools and maintain a top-10 national ranking.

The Panthers return and lose 16 letterwinners a piece which include bringing back seven starters while losing just three. Former attackman, Chad Henry (30G, 7A, 37 points) was the 52nd overall pick in the National Lacrosse League draft to the Eddie Ege returns as an 2008 Division II Attackman of the Year

Boston Blazers. He is just the third player in three years to be drafted behind Wes Green (2006) and Mike Gongas (2007). Fellow teammate, also at attack, Marc Burton (19G, 13A, 32 points) also entered into the professional ranks. Burton earned his spot on the New York Titans roster after an impressive three goal performance in preseason with the team. Midfielder Jesse Corben graduated on a high note as the nation's statistical leader in face off winning percentage

(.716) as well as garnering a spot on the ECC All-Conference team and USILA All-American Honors. He also made a mark in the Adelphi history books as his 94 ground balls placed him second on the single season list which tallies his career total to 186; good enough to stand at third all-time.

Attack

Returning for the Panthers at attack is senior Edward Ege, junior Ian Kuchta, and sophomore Dan Gaudet while joining the team will be new comers Joe Vitale, Danny Blau, Andrew Alderman and Paul Benedetto. "Our attack will be a vital part of our team with Ege and Kuchta leading the way while our freshman lend the needed support."

1 2 3 4    Next  »

2009-02-19