Once again an athletic season did not quite live up to its expectations. The men’s lacrosse team looked like a shell of itself of the last four years, the softball team started out hot and sunk fast and missed out on the play-offs, and the baseball team suffered a second straight nine win campaign. But this season was about the women’s lacrosse team. The team is no longer a gimme’ win for teams and in her first year as coach Kelly Berger took the team to their first ever America East Conference Championship, where they lost by just one goal. There are a lot of bright spots heading into the future after this season, even with some down teams. But as for this years awards:

Top Coach

Kelly Berger, Women’s Lacrosse

It should be no surprise who the top coach award should go to this season. Once again, in just her first season Kelly Berger got the team into no only their first AEC tournament in four years, but their first ever AEC Championship. In the last few years the team was one that could not really compete in the AEC, but that all changed with the coaching change that the athletic department made last summer. This year the team beat everybody they were supposed to beat, and played some good lacrosse against some quality teams. While they were near elimination from the tournament they got a big road win to clinch a berth, upset undefeated (in conference play) University at Albany in the first round, and lost by just one to Boston University. In just one year Berger turned the team into one that never could quite get the win, into a favorite for next year’s championship.

Male Freshman of the Spring

Nick Doub, Men’s Lacrosse

It’s not very often that an unproven freshman comes in mid-season and takes over a starting spot that was held by the team’s leading scorer, but Nick Doube did just that. He replaced Bobby Stockton, who at that point led the team with 12 goals, in the starting midfield and shined. While he ended the season with four goals and two assists, what made him keep his spot was his ability on defense and his superb passing skills kept him in the lineup for not only this year, but most likely for the next three years of his career.

Female Freshman of the Spring

Jamie Fahey, Women’s Lacrosse

Jamie Fahey was a major reason the women’s lacrosse team ended where they did. Not only did she play lock-down defense, but when she got the ball she was always a threat to take it up for a goal. With exceptional speed and great ball handling, she looks like she’s going to be one of the top players on the team for years to come. After her season she was named to the All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, Second Team All-AEC, and was named to the Mid-Atlantic Second team by the Women’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Association and All-Rookie team by womenslacrosse.com

Best Male Performance:

Keith Onto, Men’s Track and Field, 7,239 points in Decathlon

The decathlon was an event invented to find out who the best athlete in the world is, and when it mattered the most Keith Onto had a beyond stellar performance in as he won at the AEC Championships with 7,239 points. He won the 400-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, Javelin, and Discus, finished second in the 100-meter dash and shot put, third in the 1,500-meter run and pole vault. The second place finished totaled just 6,662 points.

Best Female Performance

Emily Coady, Women’s Lacrosse, Eight Goals in AEC Tournament

While many players had great single game performances, nothing compared to the two game performances Emily Coady had at the AEC tournament. In an upset of UAlbany in the semi-finals Coady scored four goals in a two goal victory. Going into that game UAlbany was undefeated in conference play, but Coady’s performance lifted UMBC past the Great Danes and into their first ever AEC championship game, where once again, she shined. While the team ended up losing in the finals to heavily favored Boston U, Coady scored four goals for a second straight game as the team lost by just one goal. Her eight goals in two games nearly gave UMBC a championship, and left them as a serious contender for next year.

Best Moment

Women’s Lacrosse Upsets UAlbany, 11-9 in AEC Tournament

I’ve been mentioning the game the entire time, it was a huge upset. UAlbany was heavily favored, had a 13-2 overall record and were 6-0 in conference play, and beat UMBC in the regular season on UMBCs own turf. But when it mattered the most UMBC got their revenge with an 11-10 victory over the Great Danes to make it to their first ever AEC Championship game.

Most Improved Male Athlete

Brian Klukowicz, Baseball

Even though the Baseball team struggled for a second straight season, Brian Klukowicz gave the team hope for the future. As a freshman he appeared in just eight games and made 18 at-bats. He had just one hit. But this year Klukowicz became a very reliable hitter that the team can build around. He played in ever game, started all but three, hit .286 with four home runs, and reached base 35% of the time. He also led the team in runs with 26, and had 17 RBIs.

Most Improved Female Athlete

Erika Braerman, Women’s Lacrosse

It’s hard to say she improved because she was very good last year, but was just in a different role. Last season Erika Braerman just had to be a solid passer who could help set up the offense, this year, she was the offense. Braerman went from scoring nine goals with 11 assists last year to leading the team with 54 points off 32 goals and a team high 22 points. It did not take long for Braerman to grow into her new role, and with her return next season, the team has a lot of hope for a championship.

Unsung Male Athlete

Mike Camardo, Men’s Lacrosse

How much more unsung can you get than Mike Camardo. The man very well may be the best player the team has ever had and he’s never even made it to the first team All-AEC. He may not have the sexiest position, long stick midfielder, but he is great at what he does. He’s not a guy who is going to score a lot, just one goal and two assists this year, but defensively he is phenomenal. He once again led the team with 54 ground balls and 36 caused turnovers. Camardo’s job was to shut down the opposing offense, and make chances for his offense, and that is just what he did.

Unsung Female Athlete

Kate Quick, Women’s Lacrosse

This year was about the high powered offense the women’s lacrosse team had the outscored their opponents 223-160, but lost in all that was a great play of former first team All-AEC goalie Kate Quick. In 10032:08 minutes she saved 126 goals and helped make all of that offense happen. While she did not have nearly as much success as last year, she was still a staple in goal, starting all 18 games the Retrievers played, and did her part to not only save shots, but set up the defense however the team needed.

Fan’s Choice Male Athlete of the Spring

Victor Gilreath, Men’s Track and Field

Coming off an incredibly impressive winter season, Gilreath absolutely dominated in the fall season, totaling seven medals in six events, including four gold medals in the triple jump and one silver medal in the high jump.

Fan’s Choice Female Athlete of the Spring

Amanda Fefel, Softball

While the softball team sputtered in conference play and missed making the AEC tournament, Amanda Fefel capped of a phenomenal career with a great season. This season she led the team in nearly every offensive category, totaling 53 hits, 13 home runs, 35 RBIs, 101 total bases, a .631 slugging percentage, and reaching base 40 percent of the time. She was also second on the team with a .331 batting percentage and 33 runs. But she also dominated on the mound, leading the team with a 2.64 ERA and four saves. This year she also broke the all-time UMBC softball home run record, hitter her 41st career home run, became the only retriever named to four straight first-team all-conference teams, and earned an ECAC all-star selection.

Male Athlete of the Spring

Victor Gilreath, Men’s Track and Field

Once again, Gilreath was just absolutely dominant in his second season since transferring from University of Maryland and when it mattered the most he did great. Gilreath won gold at the America East Conference Championship with a leap of 15.45 meters, breaking a 19-year-old championship record. He also started the season with three straight gold medals, a third place finish at the IC4A Championships and a 43rd place finish at the NCAA Regional Championships.

Female Athlete of the Spring

Emily Coady, Women’s Lacrosse

She may be just a sophomore, but Emily Coady has proven to be the future of the women’s lacrosse team. This year she led the team with 35 goals and added eight assists to finish second on the team with 43 total points. She also finished fourth on the team with 20 ground balls. Emily Coady proved right away in her freshman season that she was going to be a very reliable player for the women’s lacrosse team, but this year she took her game to an all-new level. Even though she missed being named to an All-Conference team she ran the high powered offense from behind the net, opened up everybody else for good opportunities, and created her own. In the AEC tournament she scored four goals in both games as the fourth-seeded Retrievers upset UAlbany and came up just one goal shy against Boston U in the conference finals.

**Photos of Kelly Berger, track and field athletes, and Brian Klukowicz courtesy of UMBC athletics.

After getting a quick goal UAlbany scored four straight in less than two minutes and really set the pace for the game. After that the Retrievers just could not seem to keep with the Great Danes and scored just one goal during the middle quarters of the game. Rob Grimm led the team with three goals but the UAlbany defense just completely shut down the Retrievers by putting Mike Banks on Kyle Wimer and first team all-conference defender on Rob Grimm. Through Grimm scored three times the team’s two best passers could not get the ball around, especially inside to Latham.

The men’s lacrosse team has been eliminated from any chance at a post season appearance and fell to 4-9 on the season.

Preview:

UMBC (4-8, 3-2 AEC)
A- Rob Grimm (13 goals, 10 assists, 18 GB)
A- Matt Latham (25 goals, 2 assists, 20 GB)
A- Chris Jones (4 goals, 1 assist, 12 GB)
M- Jamie Kimbles (11 goals, 8 assists, 14 GB)
M- Kyle Wimer (16 goals, 19 assists, 17 GB)
M- Nick Doub (4 goals, 2 assists, 2 GB)
SSM- Maxx Davis (6 goals, 7 assists, 31 GB, 12 CT)
LSM- Mike Camardo (1 goal, 2 assists, 47 GB, 35 CT)
D- Tim Shaeffer (15 GB, 1 CT)
D- Matt Kresse (1 goal, 13 GB, 6 CT)
D- Aaron Verardi (3 GB, 2 CT)
GK- Adam Cohen (52 saves, 66 GA, 44.1 save%)
FO- J.D. Harkey (92-100, 47.9 FO%, 23 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Shane Ryznar (9 goals, 1 assist, 1 GB)
A- Scott Jones (2 goals, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Bobby Stockton (12 goals, 3 assists, 6 GB)
M- Ryan Shields (0 goals, 2 assists, 3 GB)
SSM- Jordan Peirce (23 GB, 5 CT)
SSM- Mike Bryan (14 GB, 7 CT)
LSM- Sam Eitel (6 GB, 0 CT)
D- Brian Schneider (2 GB, 0 CT)
D- Sam McKelvey (4 GB, 0 CT)

Key Wins: vs. Albany (12-7), @ Vermont (8-7 OT)
Key Losses: @ Johns Hopkins (16-10), vs. Hartford (14-12)

Albany (4-10, 3-2 AEC)
A- Dave Brock (30 goals, 5 assists, 30 GB)
A- Kyle Brunk (10 goals, 0 assists, 9 GB)
A- Nate Sullivan (4 goals, 0 assists, 2 GB)
M- Matt Mackenzie (1 goal, 3 assists, 54 GB)
M- Kyle Crotty (0 goals, 2 assists, 32 GB)
D- Mark Kelly (38 GB, 22 CT)
D- Brendan Gleason (21 GB, 24 CT)
D- Travis Lyons (13 GB, 3 CT)
D- Mike Banks (16 GB, 11 CT)
GK- John Carroll (166 Saves, 157 GA, 51.4 save%)

Key Reserves:
A- Matt Johnson (6 goals, 5 assists, 11 GB)
A- Derek Kreuzer (9 goals, 1 assist, 10 GB)
A- Will Fuller (1 goal, 2 assists, 3 GB)
M- Jack Reynolds (7 goals, 2 assists, 11 GB)
M- Luke Cometti (5 goals, 2 assists, 11 GB)
M- Rocky Bonitatibus (5 goals, 1 assists, 19 GB)
M- Mark Cometti (3 goals, 3 assists, 7 GB)
M- Dwayne Stewart (4 goals, 0 assists, 15 GB)
M- Daley Baker (2 goals, 0 assists, 5 GB)
M- Mike Finnegan (1 goal, 1 assist, 12 GB)
M- Mike Kehoe (6 GB, 2 CT)
M- Mike Woods (7 GB, 2 CT)
D- Scott Raffensperger (24 GB, 6 CT)
D- Anthony Ostrander (23 GB, 6 CT)

Key Wins: vs. Bucknell (7-6), vs. Vermont (9-4)
Key Losses: @ UMBC (12-7), vs. Stony Brook (15-0)

What was once a game of two of the top teams in the country has quickly fallen to be a battle between two four win teams fighting to get an automatic qualifier for the N.C.A.A. tournament, which would be the only way either team could get in.

In the Great Danes game against University of Vermont their top player, Brian Caufield, suffered a season ending jaw injury. After two losses, to UMBC and Stony Brook, following the injury, University at Albany switched everything and beat Binghamton University in the final game of the season.

UMBC on the other hand lost all momentum from their three game winning streak with a very flat effort against University of Hartford that ended their season and sent the seniors out with a loss.

While both teams have struggled scoring, and playing defense this season, they both have good players who can get hot at any time and lead their team to a win. The problem for both however has been getting everything together for the same 60 minutes.

Pregame:

Starters:

Albany-
A- Dave Brock
A- Kyle Brunk
A- Matt Johnson
M- Matt Mackenzie
M- Kyle Crotty
D- Mark kelly
D- Brendan Gleason
D- Travis Lyons
D- Mike Banks
GK- John Carroll

UMBC-
A- Rob Grimm
A- Chris Jones
A- Matt Latham
M- Jamie Kimbles
M- Kyle Wimer
M- Nick Doub
D- Tim Shaeffer
D- Matt Kresse
D- Lance Ophof
GK- Adam Cohen

The winner knows they have to go through Stony Brook to get to the championship. Both teams have lost to them but right now they are worried about getting to the game. UMBC beat Albany during the regular season but the Great Danes have made quite a few changes since that loss. Needless to say these are two teams with a lot of talent but records that don’t show it.

First Quarter:

Albany (Mackenzie) wins opening face-off

12:25- UMBC goal, Maxx Davis made a dodge and ripped a high shot for the first score. 1-0

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

10:21- UAlbany goal, Jack Reynolds ripped in low shot from 12 yards out to tie the game. 1-1

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

9:30- UAlbany goal, Mike Woods got a quick goal in transition for the go ahead goal, 2-1 UA

UAlbany (MacKenzie) wins face-off

8:59- UAlbany goal, The Great Danes got another quick goal right againt off the stick of Reynolds again. 3-1 UA

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

8:40- UAlbany goal, in 1:41 UAlbany made a good good UMBC start into a nightmare as Anthony Ostrander hit another goal for the Great Danes. 4-1 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

6:37- UMBC goal, Chris Jones just broke the UAlbany scoring streak with a high shot for his fifth goal of the season. 4-2 UMBC

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

3:32- UMBC goal, Chris Jones recorded his first multi goal game of the season with another high shot, this one from 7 yards out after getting a pass from Rob Grimm. 4-3 UMBC

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

END OF FIRST QUARTER- UAlbany 4, UMBC 3

Second Quarter-

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

6:59- UAlbany goal, Dwayne Stewart just crashed inside and shot the ball from right to left to go up two on the Retrievers. 5-3 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

6:03- UMBC goal, Rob Grimm drop around the net and while still running away from the goal he flicked it from 8 yards out to get back within one. 5-4 UA

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

2:30- UAlbany goal, Dwayne Stewart just ripped a high shot info the goal from 18 yards out. UMBC just cannot seem to get any sort of momentum going and are always just a step behind. 6-4 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

END OF SECOND QUARTER: UAlbany 6, UMBC 4

That 4 goal run in 1:41 by UAlbany set the tone of the game and while it’s a fast-paced game UMBC is just always a step behind. Two Great Danes have scored two goals, most of which have come in transition. While the face-offs are even this game Adam Cohen has struggled in goal, only getting two saves, however, the defense has not helped his case much either.

Third Quarter:

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

6:29- UAlbany goal, Matt Johnson received a quick pass inside from Keith Olson for another UAlbany goal. 7-4 UA

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

5:25- UAlbany goal, Dave Brock was not going to go scoreless for the entire game and for his first goal he took advantage of a man-up situation. 8-4 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

END OF THIRD QUARTER: UAlbany 8, UMBC 4

Fourth Quarter:

No face-off, UMBC has EMO

12:45- UMBC goal, Maxx Davis found a charging Rob Grimm who ripped a shot from right in front of the goal, ending a 20:47 scoring drought. 8-5 UA

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins face-off

9:37- UAlbany goal, Rocky Bonitatibus ripped in a pass from Matt Johnson for the four goal advantage on UMBC. 9-4 UA.

GOALIE CHANGE- replacing Adam Cohen in goal is senior Kevin Kohri

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

5:24- UAlbany goal, Dave Brock dove on the ground for the ground ball and while hitting the ground he shot the ball at the bottom of the goal and pretty much put the game away for the Great Danes. 10-5 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

4:00- UMBC goal, Maxx Davis found Jamie Kimbles right in front of the goal who jumped and hit the shot right over the UAlbany goalie. 10-6 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

3:14- UAlbany goal, Kevin Kohri went for a double team and was out of position leaving an open net for Mike Kehoe for his first goal of the season. 11-6 UA

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

0:17- UMBC goal, while the game is wrapped up Rob Grimm scored on a pass from Jamie Kimbles. 11-7 UA

UAlbany (Mackenzie) wins facee-off

FINAL SCORE: UAlbany 11, UMBC 7

Having a 4-8 record did not prevent the Retrievers from packing the All-America East Conference teams once again. With a 3-2 conference record, finishing in second place, seven members of the team earned All-AEC selections.

With 16 goals and 19 assists senior Kyle Wimer led the Retrievers in points and extended his scoring streak to 31 straight games. Wimer moved into 15th place in UMBC history with 133 career points. He was one of just four unanimous selections for the All-AEC team.

Joining Wimer on the first team were three other seniors. Matt Latham earned his first first-team selection after being a second team pick the last two years. This year he led UMBC with 25 goals, 16 of which came in conference play. He has 86 career goals, and was second in the nation in shooting percentage, scoring 25 times in 47 shots (53.2%).

After struggling as a junior, Maxx Davis reinvented himself as a defensive midfielder and earned first team honors as a short stick midfielder. His 31 ground balls is second on the team but excelled on both sides of the ball with six goals and 7 assists. He scored three, including a game-winning overtime goal, against University of Vermont.

Matt Kresse has been an overshadowed defender for the majority of his career but has been one of the most consistent ones in the conference four four years. He has started 49 of 60 in his career and picked up 12 ground balls and caused six turnovers this year. Against University of Hartford he scored his first career goal off his first career shot.

On the second team was senior long-stick midfielder Mike Camardo, who was second in the nation with 2.91 per game. His totals of 47 ground balls and 35 caused turnovers both led the team. He also scored one goal and two assists as the defensive long-stick midfielders.

Midway through the season freshman Nick Doub was moved into the first midfield unit, replacing Bobby Stockton, who led the team with 12 goals after six games. His polished game and good passing ability kept him on the unit and he scored four goals and two assists as a freshman. Because of his efforts he was named to the AEC All-rookie team.

Finally, while on the field accomplishment are very impressive, Chris Jones earned his third straight selection to the AEC All-Academic team after maintaining a 3.45 GPA as an economics major. His four goals and one assist this year put him over the 50-point plateau for his career.

For a second straight year Hartford ended a winning streak by UMBC. After going up 4-0 UMBC went cold and just played sloppy ball as they lost on senior day. Matt Latham led the team with four goals while Kyle Wimer scored two and Matt Kresse scored his first career goal but the team could not get face-off wins, losing the battle 24-6.

UMBC will host an America East Conference Tournament Semi-finals game on Wednesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Preview:

Probable Starters:

UMBC (4-7, 1-4):
A- Matt Latham (21 goals, 1 assist, 18 GB)
A- Chris Jones (3 goals, 0 assists, 12 GB)
A- Rob Grimm (12 goals, 9 assists, 15 GB)
M- Kyle Wimer (14 goals, 18 assists, 17 GB)
M- Jamie Kimbles (10 goals, 7 assists, 11 GB)
M- Maxx Davis (5 goals, 4 assists, 31 GB, 12 CT)
LSM- Mike Camardo (1 goal, 2 assists, 41 GB, 32 CT)
D- Tim Shaeffer (13 GB, 0 CT)
D- Matt Kresse (10 GB, 5 CT)
D- Aaron Verardi (3 GB, 2 CT)
G- Adam Cohen (43 Saves, 52 GA, 45.3 save%)
FO- J.D. Harkey (88-92, 48.9 FO%, 23 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Shane Ryznar (9 goals, 1 assist, 7 GB)
M- Nick Doub (4 goals, 2 assists, 2 GB)
M- Bobby Stockton (12 goals, 3 assists, 6 GB)
M- Ryan Shields (0 goals, 2 assists, 3 GB)
M- Scott Jones (1 goal, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Dave Brown (0 goals, 1 assists, 1 GB)
SSM- Jordan Peirce (20 GB, 5 CT)
SSM- Mike Bryan (10 GB, 6 CT)
D- Sam McKelvey (4 GB, 0 CT)
D- Sam Eitel (4 GB, 0 CT)
D- Brian Shneider (2 GB, 0 CT)
D- Lance Ophof (10 GB, 6 CT)

Key Wins: @ Binghamton (12-6), Albany (12-7)
Key Losses: Delaware (11-10 3OT), @ Johns Hopkins (16-10)

Hartford (3-10, 0-4)
A- Aiden Genik (34 goals, 9 assists, 14 GB)
A- Justin Bearse (14 goals, 10 assists, 16 GB)
A- Ryan Compitello (8 goals, 18 assists, 19 GB)
M- Rory Nunamacher (8 goals, 3 assists, 17 GB)
M- Tim Fallon (3 goals, 3 assists, 117 GB)
LSM- Will Ricciardi (4 GB, 3 CT)
D- Scott Kressler (3 GB, 2 CT)
D- Ben Knapton (1 goal, 1 assists, 32 GB, 17 CT)
D- Steve Groccia (14 GB, 4 CT)
D- Dan Gillespie (7 GB, 5 CT)
GK- Scott Bement (130 saves, 147 GA, 46.9 save%)
FO- Tim Fallon (184-120, 60.5 FO%, 117 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Sean King (3 goals, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Carter Bender (16 goals, 14 assists, 9 GB)
M- Austin Rogers (1 goal, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Michael Cudmore (7 goals, 13 assists, 42 GB)
M- Jared Franze (17 goals, 1 assist, 12 GB)
M- Martin Bowes (6 goals, 1 assist, 11 GB)
M- Vinny Pelizzi (2 goals, 2 assists, 8 GB)
M- Kyle Goodchild (3 goals, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Kevin Whelan (2 goals, 0 assists, 2 GB)
M- Leif Abrahamson (1 goal, 0 assists, 7 GB)
SSM- Brendan Marlow (19 GB, 1 CT)

Key Wins: Siena[N] (13-11), Holy Cross (10-6)
Key Losses: Fairfield (12-9), Vermont (13-6)

After a bad start to the season the men’s lacrosse team is on a roll, playing very good lacrosse, and already clinched a number two seed in the America East Conference Tournament. But that does not mean the team has nothing to play for in this game, in fact this is a game everybody has been looking forward to since the team was upset by the Hawks in Hartford last year. Also, it is senior day and the largest senior class ever will be honored before the game and looking to go out on top with a win.

UMBC is doing a lot of things right right now. They are getting ground balls, they are shutting offenses down, and they are hitting shots with accuracy. If the team can continue to do those things they should be able to get a fourth straight win going into the AEC semi-final game.

Check Back Tomorrow For The Live Blog!

Pregame:

We’re just under 40 minutes away from the start and it is perfect lacrosse weather, great atmosphere, and 16 seniors will be honored before the start of the game.

Starters:

UMBC:
A- Rob Grimm
A- Chris Jones
A- Matt Latham
M- Jamie Kimbles
M- Kyle Wimer
M- Nick Doub
D- Tim Shaeffer
D- Matt Kresse
D- Aaron Verardi
GK- Adam Cohen

Hartford:
A- Aidan Genik
A- Justin Bearse
A- Austin Rogers
M- Michael Cudmore
M- Tim Fallon
M- Ben Knapton
D- Scott Kessler
D- Steve Groccia
D- Dan Gillespie
GK- Scott Bement

Stay Tuned

First Quarter:

Hartford (Fallon) wins opening face-off

10:36- UMBC goal, Rich May drove inside and hit a pass up to Matt Latham coming around the goal. Latham faked high and low and hit the high shot for the goal. 1-0 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

7:51- UMBC goal, Matt Latham hit his second goal of the game already off a pass from Jamie Kimbles. 2-0 UMBC

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off off an illegal procedure

7:08- UMBC goal, these seniors are fired up for this game as another one, Maxx Davis, ripped in an unassisted shot. 3-0 UMBC

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

3:54- UMBC goal, Jamie Kimbles dodged a defender right in front of the goal and faked a shot and hit one low. The team is certainly playing good lacrosse right now which is needed going into the America East Conference Tournament. 4-0 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

2:15- Hartford goal, Vinny Pellizzi ripped in a shot while charging at the goal to finally get the Hawks on the scoreboard. 4-1 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

0:44 Hartford goal, Carter Bender just cut the UMBC lead to two with a low shot between Adam Cohen’s legs. 4-2 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

END OF FIRST QUARTER: UMBC 4, Hartford 2

UMBC got out really hot but Hartford was able to get two goals in towards the end of the quarter. But the big story is UMBC is getting slammed on face-offs as they only have two wins, on of which was off an illegal procedure by Fallon. If UMBC can’t get controls from the X then Hartford will have plenty of opportunities to keep it close.

Second Quarter:

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

13:35- UMBC goal, Senior defender Matt Kresse just ripped in his first career goal off a pass from Davis. 5-2 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

12:29- Hartford goal, Jared Franze scored an unassisted goal and is helping keep it close for the Hawks. 5-3 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

12:19- Hartford goal, The Hawks never dies, Michael Cudmore got Hartford another goal they just got within one goal of UMBC and are pushing the Retrievers in this one. 5-4 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

7:54- UMBC goal, Matt Latham hit his third goal of the game off with a rip right to the defenders right side. Kyle Wimer fed the driving Latham with nobody in front of him. 6-4 UMBC

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

4:53- Hartford goal, Carter Bender hit another goal to get Hartford back within one again. 6-5 UMBC.

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

2:38- Hartford goal, Hartford took advantage of very sloppy play by UMBC as Ryan Compitello hit a shot to tie the game. 6-6

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

1:21- Hartford goal, Martin Bowes just got Hartford the lead with a low shot from the right side of the goal. 7-6 Hartford

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

END OF SECOND QUARTER: Hartford 7, UMBC 6

Hartford does not quit and took advantage of sloppy UMBC play down the stretch and took the lead. The biggest reason for the half-time deficit is a lack of face-off wins. UMBC has just three wins, one of which was off an illegal procedure.

Third Quarter:

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

12:48- Hartford goal, Aiden Genik absolutely ripped in a close range shot to give Hartford a two goal lead of the dead cold Retrievers. 8-6 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

11:23- UMBC goal, the Retrievers capitalized on a Hartford turnover with a transition goal. Maxx Davis passed the ball over to Matt Latham who blasted in a shot from the left side into the right side of the net for his fourth goal of the game. 8-7 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

8:10- Hartford goal, Carter Bender just hit another goal to give the Hawks more of a cushion. 9-7 Hartford

UMBC (Radebaugh) wins face-off

5:27- Hartford goal, Rory Nunamacher just extended Hartford lead with a high shot in the goal. UMBC is really cold right now and can’t get much going on their end of the field. 10-7 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

3:34- Hartford goal, things are starting to get out of hand for the Retrievers as Hartford scored their third straight goal for a four goal lead as Bender ripped in his third goal of the game. 11-7 Hartford.

UMBC (Radebaugh) wins face-off

3:27- UMBC goal, after finally getting a face-off Rob Grimm scored a quick goal off a pass from Chris Jones. 11-8 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

3:07- Hartford goal, The Hawks struck right back with a quick goal after a face-off of their own to go back up by four with a goal by Ryan Compitello. 12-8 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

0:07- UMBC goal, Rob Grimm returned the favor as he dished out an assist to Senior Chris Jones, but UMBC still has a lot of ground to make up. 12-9 Hartford

Hartford (Piechota) wins face-off

Fourth Quarter:

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

13:58- Hartford goal, Jared Franze scored his second goal off a rip to the uper left corner of the goal to keep their comfortable lead over UMBC. 13-9 Hartford

UMBC (Harkey) wins face-off

12:35- UMBC goal, Kyle Wimer just hit a diving shot into the right side of the goal while coming around from the back. 13-10 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

10:14- Hartford goal, The hawks hit another transition goal as Aiden Genik got behind the defense and went one-on-one with goalie Adam Cohen. 14-10 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

9:36- UMBC goal, Kyle Wimer scored his second straight goal, this time off a pass from Maxx Davis. 14-11 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

2:50- UMBC goal, Scott Jones ripped in a low shot from 15 yards out to get UMBC back within two with time winding down. 14-12 Hartford

Hartford (Fallon) wins face-off

END OF GAME: Hartford 14, UMBC 12

Matt Latham scored a career high six goals against Albany as the team won their second straight game, downing their America East Conference Rival, 12-7.

The team finally played up their ability as their lite up the scoreboard for nine goals in the first half.

Kyle Wimer scored two goals and two assists while Adam Cohen recorded his third win as he saved nine shots.

Preview:

Probable Starters:

UMBC (2-7):
A- Matt Latham (15 goals, 0 assists, 12 GB)
A- Rob Grimm (9 goals, 6 assists, 12 GB)
A- Chris Jones (2 goals, 0 assists, 8 GB)
M- Jamie Kimbles (10 goals, 7 assists, 9 GB)
M- Kyle Wimer (10 goals, 16 assists, 16 GB)
M- Nick Doub (3 goals, 1 assist, 1 GB)
LSM- Michael Camardo (1 goal, 1 assist, 33 GB, 26 CT)
D- Tim Shaeffer (8 GB, 0 CT)
D- Matt Kresse (10 GB, 4 CT)
D- Aaron Verardi (1 GB, 2 CT)
GK- Adam Cohen (30 saves, 38 GA, 44.1 save%)
FO- J.D. Harkey (73-71, 50.7 FO%, 20 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Shane Ryznar (9 goals, 1 assist, 7 GB)
A- Joe Lustgarden (0 goals, 2 assists, 0 GB)
M- Bobby Stockton (12 goals, 3 assists, 6 GB)
M- Maxx Davis (1 goal, 4 assists, 27 GB, 11 CT)
M- Scott Hopmann (2 goals, 1 assist, 1 GB)
SSM- Jordan Peirce (19 GB, 5 CT)
D- Lance Ophof (8 GB, 5 CT)
D- Brian Schneider (1 GB, 0 CT)

Key Wins: @ Rutgers (6-5), @ Binghamton (12-6)
Key Losses: vs. North Carolina (12-7, vs. Stony Brook (14-11)

Albany (3-8):
A- Dave Brock (23 goals, 4 assists, 23 GB)
A- Brian Caufield (10 goals, 22 assists, 17 GB)
A- Nate Sullivan (3 goals, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Matt MacKenzie (1 goal, 2 assists, 38 GB)
M- Kyle Crotty (0 goals, 1 assist, 29 GB)
D- Mark Kelly (27 GB, 17 CT)
D- Scott Raffensperger (19 GB, 15 CT)
D- Brendan Gleason (16 GB, 20 CT)
D- Mike Banks (14 GB, 10 CT)
John Carroll (138 saves, 128 GA, 51.9 save%)
FO- Matt Mackenzie (95-128, 42.6 save%, 38 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Kyle Brunk (9 goals, 0 assists, 8 GB)
A- Matt Johnson (5 goals, 4 assists, 7 GB)
M- Jack Reynolds (5 goals, 2 assists, 4 GB)
M- Rocky Bonitatibus (4 goals, 1 assist, 5 GB)
M- Mark Cometti (2 goals, 3 assists, 4 GB)
M- Dwyane Stewart (1 goal, 2 assists, 3 GB)
D- Anthony Ostrander (20 GB, 3 CT)
D- Brendan Gleason (16 GB, 20 CT)

Key Wins: @ Hartford (11-10), vs. Vermont (9-4)
Key Losses: @ Massachusetts (11-6), @ Ohio State (11-6)

Oh how far we have come in America East Lacrosse. The last three years this was a preview for the conference championship game but this year these two teams are just trying to get into the tournament.

Both teams have had down seasons but for difference reasons. UMBC’s 2 win season has been because of youth and rebuilding, Albany’s however has been because of injuries to key players that have hindered the team’s offense.

For what ever reason, these two teams have really struggled to get things going this year. Neither have gotten a roll on offense, but both have a conference victory under their belt.

This game truly has the potential to be a big game in the America East Conference standings. With Stony Brook looking like they will win the regular season championship, the winner of this one will likely host a semi-final game as the number two seed while the loser will likely have to travel in the tournament, or possibly be on the outside looking in.

Check back for a live blog with starters coming at 6:45.

Pregame:

Starters:

UMBC
A- Rob Grimm
A- Chris Jones
A- Matt Latham
M- Jamie Kimbles
M- Kyle Wimer
M- Nick Doub
D- Tim Shaeffer
D- Aaron Verardi
D- Matt Kresse
GK- Adam Cohen

Albany:
A- Dave Brock
A- Mike Johnson
M- Matt Mackenzie
M- Derek Kreuzer
M- Kyle Crotty
D- Mark kelly
D- Scott Raffensperger
D- Brendan Gleason
D- Mike Banks
GK- John Carroll

No surprised on the UMBC side of things. But just a quick note, pre-season All-American defender Bobby Atwell has left the team for personal reasons.

As for Albany, their big star Brian Caufield suffered a “very serious injury” recently and will not be available. In his honor the team has hung his jersey on the field house window behind their bench.

First Quarter:

10:46- UMBC goal Matt Latham, assisted by Rob Grimm. Latham was right in front of the goal when he took a pass from Grimm and hit a high shot right over the Albany goalie. 1-0 UMBC

9:29- Albany goal Luke Cometti- unassisted. Cometti made a quick dodge right past a UMBC defender and went high to low for the goal. 1-1

8:04- UMBC goal Rob Grimm, assisted by Michael Camardo. Camardo stole a rushed Albany pass and ran up the field with a numbers advantage. He got the ball up to Grimm right in front of the goal for the score. 2-1 UMBC

6:18- UMBC goal Kyle Wimer, unassisted. Kyle Wimer made a shot while falling down to record a score in his 29th straight game, a nation leading score. 3-1 UMBC

1:23- Albany goal Mark Cometti- unassisted. M. Cometti ran right around the goal to get the open shot on the left side of the goal. 3-2 UMBC

Second Quarter:

12:33- UMBC goal Chris Jones assisted by Kyle Wimer. Straight pass and shot. 4-2 UMBC

12:25- UMBC goal J.D. Harkey- unassisted. Harkey caught the Great Dance defense sleeping as right after the face-off he took the ball up the first for an unopposed shot. It was his first career goal. 5-2 UMBC

8:07- UMBC goal Matt Latham assisted by Kyle Wimer. A series of three quick passed got the ball to Latham for the wide open shot, which he hit in the bottom left corner of the net for his second goal of the game. 6-2 UMBC

6:21- UMBC goal Kyle Wimer- unassisted. Kyle Wimer drove up the field past three defenders for his second goal of the game. He currently has a four point game. 7-2 UMBC

4:38- Albany goal Dave Brock assisted by Mike Johnson. Albany finally snapped a four goal run for their first goal of the second quarter. 7-3 UMBC

1:02- UMBC goal Matt Latham assisted by Nick Doub. Matt Latham has a hat trick after getting a cross for the open shot. 8-3 UMBC

0:51- UMBC goal Max Davis- unassisted, once again UMBC caught Albany out of position for a goal. Davis came right up after a face-off win and got his second goal of the season. 9-3 UMBC

0:07- Albany goal Rocky Bonitatibus, assisted by Dwayne Stewart. Albany got the last goal of the half to get it within five. 9-4 UMBC

Halftime: UMBC is finally showing their ability with a very solid first half. Kyle Wimer and Matt Latham are doing what they should do as seniors and that is why they have a five goal lead.

Third Quarter:

13:53- UMBC goal Matt Latham- unassisted. Matt Latham was in the right place at the right time as he scooped and scored off a post (shot by Jamie Kimbles) for the goal. 10-4 UMBC

13:47- Albany goal Dave Brock, assisted Matt Mackenzie. This time UMBC was on the opposite side of falling asleep after a goal as Albany came up right away for the quick score. 10-5 UMBC

10:36- UMBC goal Matt Latham, assisted by Rob Grimm. Matt Latham now has five goals, tying a career high and does not look like he is going to slow down any time soon. 11-5 UMBC

3:05- Albany goal Dave Brock, unassisted. UMBC had too many men on the field and had to give up the ball. They were almost caught for the foul again but while the team was shifting personnel Brock was able to get past the defense for the goal. 11-6 UMBC

Fourth Quarter:

9:25- Albany goal Dave Brock- unassisted. With nobody in front of the goal Brock too a pass on the outside and rushed right in from the left side for the one-on-one shot with the goalie. 11-7 UMBC

4:50- UMBC goal Matt Latham, assisted by Rob Grimm. Matt Latham scored his sixth goal of the game, giving him a new career high. 12-7 UMBC

Final Score: UMBC 12, Albany 7

It was a very special day for Coach Don Zimmerman, not only was the victory his 200th career win as a coach, but his team also broke their six game losing streak with a 12-6 victory on the road against Binghamton.

It is clear the team is currently building for the future ad Nick Doub, Tim Shaeffer, Aaron Verardi, and Adam Cohen all stayed in the starting lineup, but the youth really paid off in the game.

While he has started every game this season, sophomore Rob Grimm scored three goals and had two assists to tie a career high five points. Meanwhile, freshman Nick Doub scored two goals for the first multi-goal game of his career. Junior Jamie Kimbles and senior Matt Latham each scored two goals while senior Chris Jones and freshman Scott Hopmann each added a goal.

On the defensive end Tim Shaeffer came up big with a team high five ground balls.

Adam Cohen recorded six saves in the game for his and the team’s second win of the season.

After trading goals in the first quarter, ending the period tied, 2-2, UMBC went on a seven goal run extending midway through the third quarter to get a seven goal lead.

Binghamton was able to get four straight goal to get within three but three more goal for UMBC put the game out of reach.

J.D. Harkey came up big, going 11-5 from the face-off X.

Cealry it was a much needed win for the Retrievers as they had dropped each game of their killer six game streak of opponents who were either nationally ranked, on in Towson’s case, a team with the toughest strength of schedule.

The team returns to action on April 17 at 7:00 pm when they face Albany.

After falling to a 1-6 record and scrambling for success Coach Don Zimmerman decided to make some serious changes to his team in hopes of building the future of his program but despite the moves the team could not get over the hump as the struggled and lost 10-7 to across town rival Towson.

The senior laden defense of Bobby Atwell, Matt Kresse, Lance Ophof, and Kevin Kohri all took a seat in the game, being replaced in the starting lineup but two freshmen and two sophomores as Tim Shaeffer, Aaron Verardi, and Lucas Wood played in the field and Adam Cohen returned to the goal.

Cohen allowed 10 goals but made 12 saves in his first appearance since behind benched after the 12-7 loss to North Carolina.

Eventually Atwell, Kresse, and Ophof made their way on the field but it is clear that Zimmerman is interesting in testing his young players.

Once again the team allowed three early goals that they could not come back from. Shane Ryznar scored back-to-back goals to get UMBC within one but two straight goals by Towson in the second quarter gave them another big advantage.

Kyle Wimer led the team with two goals and two assists and extended his scoring streak to 27 straight games. Scott Jones and Nick Doub both scored their first goals of the season while Matt Latham added his 13th goal of the season.

The team has fallen to 1-7 on the season and will resume conference play on Saturday with a game against Binghamton.

UMBC (1-6):
A- Shane Ryznar (7 goals, 0 assists, 5 GB)
A- Matt Latham (12 goals, 0 assists, 12 GB)
A- Rob Grimm (6 goals, 5 assists, 8 GB)
M- Jamie Kimbles (8 goals, 7 assists, 7 GB)
M- Bobby Stockton (11 goals, 3 assists, 6 GB)
M- Kyle Wimer (8 goals, 12 assists, 13 GB)
LSM- Mike Camardo (1 goal, 1 assists, 30 GB, 25 CT)
D- Bobby Atwell (13 GB, 8 CT)
D- Matt Kresse (7 GB, 4 CT)
D- Lance Ophof (8 GB, 5 CT)
G- Kevin Kohri (38 GA, 25 saves, 39.7 save%)
FO- J.D. Harkey (61-62, 49.6 FO%, 19 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Chris Jones (1 goal, 0 assists, 7 GB)
M- Maxx Davis (1 goal, 4 assists, 19 GB, 10 CT)
M- Scott Hopmann (1 goal, 9 assists, 0 GB)
M- Nick Doub (0 goals, 0 assists, 1 GB)
SSM- Jordan Pierce (10 GB, 5 CT)
D- Brian Schneider (1 GB, 0 CT)
D- Aaron Verardi (1 GB, 1 CT)

Key Wins: @ Rutgers (6-5)
Key Losses: vs. Delaware (11-10), vs. Stony Brook (14-11)

Towson (2-5)
A- Matt Lamon (3 goals, 1 assist, 2 GB)
A- Matt Hughes (6 goals, 3 assists, 10 GB)
A- Tim Stratton (7 goals, 8 assists, 20 GB)
M- Brock Armour (1 goal, 3 assists, 4 GB)
M- Will Harrington (14 goals, 2 assists, 5 GB)
M- Christian Pastirik (15 goals, 9 assists, 6 GB)
SSM- Peter Mezzanotte (24 GB, 13 CT)
D- Joe Wascavage (5 GB, 5 CT)
D- Marc Ingerman (5 GB, 2 CT)
D- Ben Strauss (13 GB, 7 CT)
G- Travis Love (47 GA, 67 saves, 58.8 save%)
FO- Matt Thomas (58-62, 48.3 FO%, 33 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Stephen Norris (6 goals, 2 assists, 6 GB)
M- Pat Britton (4 goals, 2 assists, 3 GB)
M- Carl Iacona (2 goals, 1 assist, 12 GB)
D- Cameron Zook (10 GB, 2 CT)

Key Wins: vs. Navy (10-9), vs. Delaware (9-7)
Key Losses: vs. Bucknell (13-9), vs. Stony Brook (14-11)

The men’s lacrosse team not nearly as bad as their record indicated and their strength of schedule will show that. But the problem is Towson is the only team to play a tougher schedule. When looking at common games, Towson beat Delaware, both lost to Stony Brook by the same score, but Towson struggled a bit more against Maryland.

But the thing is, to be honest, UMBC should not lose another game the rest of the regular season. They have a lot of talent on the team but five straight nationally ranked opponents really hurt the team’s record. Assuming the losses have not caused the team to give up they have the talent to be a very good team.

Probable Starters:

UMBC (1-3):
A- Rob Grimm (4 goals, 3 assists, 5 GB)
A- Matt Latham (6 goals, 0 assists, 7 GB)
A- Chris Jones (1 goal, 0 assist, 2 GB)
M- Bobby Stockton (11 goals, 3 assists, 4 GB)
M- Kyle Wimer (4 goals, 9 assists, 9 GB)
M- Jamie Kimbles (6 goals, 3 assists, 5 GB)
LSM- Michael Camardo (14 GB, 13 CT)
D- Bobby Atwell (10 GB, 3 CT)
D- Matt Kresse (1 GB, 2 CT)
D- Brian Schneider (1 GB, 0 CT)
G- Brian McCullough (8 saves, 16 GA, 33.3 save%)
FO- J.D. Harkey (41-41, 50.0 FO%, 13 GB)

Key Reserves:
A- Ryan Shields (13 GB)
A- Rich May (1 GB)
M- Maxx Davis (14 GB, 6 CT)
M- Nick Doub (1 CT)
SSM- Jordan Pierce (8 GB, 2 CT)
D- Sam McKelvey (2 GB)
D- Lance Ophof (4 GB, 1 CT)

Key Wins: @ Rutgers (6-5)
Key Losses: Delaware (11-10 3 OT), North Carolina (12-7)

Princeton (3-0):

A- Jack McBride (6 goals, 3 assists, 7 GB)
A- Chris McBride (6 goals, 2 assists, 5 GB)
A- Rob Engelke (1 goal, 9 assist, 1 GB)
M- Scott MacKenzie (2 goals, 1 assist, 3 GB)
M- Mike Grossman (1 goal, 0 assists, 1 GB)
M- Mike Chanenchuk (7 goals, 3 assists, 3 GB)
LSM- Jonatham Meyers (5 GB, 2 CT)
D- John Cunningham (11 GB, 2 CT)
D- Jeremy Hirsch (1 GB, 2 CT)
D- Long Ellis IV (5 GB, 6 CT)
G- Tyler Fiorito (27 savesm 26 GA, 49.1 save%)
FO- Jeff Fraccaro (20-22, 47.6 FO%)

Key Reserves:
M- Jeff Fraccaro (8 goals, 0 assists, 12 GB)
M- Tyler Moni (5 goals, 0 assists, 6 GB)
SSM- Jimmy Davis (5 GB, 1 CT)

Key Wins: @ Johns Hopkins (11-10 OT)
Key Loses: None

UMBC very well may be in a situation where unless they beat both Princeton and Maryland they may not be nationally ranked for the rest of the season, even if they run the table in conference play. When looking at UMBC’s schedule there record is not as bad as you’d think. Their losses have been to #16, #4, and #5.

Right now Princeton is their third straight game against a nationally ranked team, #7 in the USILA coaches poll. While Princeton has only played one game against a team with a winning record, it was a 11-10 win over #5 Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Their high powered offense is very often too much for teams to handle. Technically thei run a five attack set with one true midfielder, which means they have a bunch of guys who are natural scores. But their defense is not bad either, it is not as stingy as it historically is but they do create turnovers and have a very good goalie in the net, who happens to only be a sophomore.

As for UMBC, the emergence of Bobby Stockton and Jamie Kimbles have been great. Stockton has shown the ability to be an first team all-conference player and has let Wimer go back to what he likes to do, run the field and open everybody else up.

The problem has been the defense and the attack. Matt Latham does have six goals and Rob Grimm is starting to come into his own, butneither, nor Chris Jones, have been as dynamic as you need your attack to be. They are settling for shots and not dodging particularly well.

As for the defense, for a group lead by a load of seniors you’d expect a lot more but with the constant movement of goalkeepers their efforts have not looked quite as good as in the past.

For UMBC to beat Princeton they have to pressure them. If they settle for shots and let Princeton be on offense a lot them they are going to get beat, that offense is too talented, but if they can pressure the defense thy could rattle them and make the offense force shots.

UMBC head men’s lacrosse coach Don Zimmerman and his staff are pleased to welcome 19 newcomers to the Retrievers’ program for the fall of 2009. The largest incoming class in UMBC’s Division I history includes 18 freshmen and one transfer and is comprised of a dozen attackmen/midfielders, six defensemen/long-stick midfielders and one goalkeeper.

“We are excited to have this group of newcomers join the UMBC community,” Coach Zimmerman said. “In addition to providing the program with additional depth, these players have exhibited the strong character and work ethic we believe is the trademark of Retriever lacrosse.”

The Retrievers will compete in a pair of fall tournaments in October. On Saturday, Oct. 10, UMBC will take part in the Third Annual Nick Colleluori Classic in Folsom, Pa, facing Hofstra at 3:00 p.m. and Villanova at 5:00 p.m. Each year the HEADstrong Foundation hosts this lacrosse tournament with all proceeds going towards blood cancer research.

The following Saturday, Oct. 17, Coach Zimmerman’s team will compete in the 12^th Annual Lacrosse for Leukemia Fall Invitational Tournament at Cedar Lane Park in Bel Air, Md. The Retrievers face St. John’s (12:50 p.m.) and Air Force (2:30 p.m.) . Sponsored by Price Modern, Lacrosse for Leukemia showcases top NCAA lacrosse teams while raising funds to further The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

A Glance at the Newcomers

David Brown (M/A, 5-8, 165 lbs., Coopersburg, PA/The Hill School) Brown was named to the Mid-Atlantic Prep League First-Team in his senior year. The four-year varsity starter scored was a career-best 17 goals in the 2008 season.

Adam Cohen (G, 5-7, 170 lbs., Arnold, Md./The Severn School) Cohen was ranked as of the top 15 incoming goalkeepers in Inside lacrosse. A 2009 Ensign C. Markland Kelly award finalist posted a sizzling 68% save percentage in his senior campaign for the Admirals and earned Second-Team All-County honors. Cohen also competed in the 2008 Under Armour game for underclassmen.

Nick Doub (M, 5-10, 170 lbs., Annapolis, Md./St. Mary’s) Doub scored 20 goals and added 40 assists and earned Capital Gazette First-Team All-County honors in 2009. He was the Saints’ team captain and named their “Unsung Hero” last spring. Doub was recently listed amongst Inside Lacrosse’s top incoming 40 attackmen.

Matt Gregoire (A, 6-2, 180 lbs., Crofton, Md./South River) Gregoire led the Seahawks to a 4A/3A state championship in 2009, scoring five goals in the title game. He was selected to the First-Team All-County in both his junior and senior seasons and was a Washington Post Second-Team All-Metro honoree  after amassing 46 goals and 16 assists last spring. Gregoire was recently listed amongst Inside Lacrosse’s top incoming 40 attackmen.

Jamie Grimm (LSM, 5-9,200 lbs., Black River, N.Y./Carthage Central) Grimm was named to the Frontier All- League team in all four years of varsity lacrosse for the Comets. Also a two-year letterwinner and Scholar-Athlete in football, he helped lead the team to the state championship game in his junior campaign. Jamie is the younger brother of 2009 America East All-Rookie team member and Retriever attackman Rob Grimm.

Riley Hansen (D, 6-1, 185 lbs., Annapolis, Md./The Salisbury School) As a senior, Hansen received the Salisbury School’s Corkery Medal, which goes to a senior that participates in three sports (lacrosse, cross country, and basketball). He has competed in the Maryland Freestate Top 44 game and the Under Armour game for underclassmen. His older brother, Pat, lettered in lacrosse at Ohio State  and Stevenson.

Scott Hopmann (M, 5-11, 165 lbs.,Annapolis, Md./St. Mary’s) Hopmann scored 20 goals and added 16 assists for the fifth-ranked (Inside Lacrosse) Saints in 2009. His best effort was a four-goal, five-point effort against St. Paul’s.  His older brother, Alex, graduated from UMBC in 2009 and earned All-America honors as a senior midfielder.

Joseph Impallaria (M, 5-8 175 lbs., Lutherville, Md./Calvert Hall College) Impallaria won the Calvert Hall Ground Ball Award in 2007, 2008, and 2009, recording 305 ground balls in that span. He won 471 face-offs and maintained a 73% face-off winning percentage from 2007-09. His father, Joseph J. Impallaria, Jr., played lacrosse at the former Western Maryland College (McDaniel College) from 1979-82 and has served three tours of duty in Iraq.

Scott Jones (A, 6-4, 225 lbs., Port Moody, B.C./Terry Fox) Jones was selected as a 2009 Junior A British Columbia First-Team All-Star. He scored 44 goals and added 46 assists in 21 games for the Port Coquitlam Saints last season. Jones’ older brother, Jeff Ratcliffe, lettered in lacrosse from 1997-2000 at UMBC and is currently tenth on the all-time list with 104 goals scored.

Casey Lasda (A/M, 5-9 165 lbs., Syracuse, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) Lasda was selected to the OHSL Section 3 First-Team All-League in 2008 and again in 2009. He earned Honorable Mention All-CNY honors in 2008 and 2009 and played on the Central team in the 2008 Empire State Games. Lasda was recently listed amongst Inside Lacrosse’s top incoming 40 attackmen.

Neill Lewnes (M, 5-7, 160 lbs, Arnold, Md./St. Mary’s) Lewnes scored 11 goals, added 14 assists, corralled a team-best 108 ground balls and won 63 percent of his draws for St. Mary’s.  He was selected to the First-Team All-County and All-MIAA team in 2009. Lewnes was the team’s Most Valuable Player and its team captain and the All-County tailback, who rushed for over 1,200 yards,  also captained the Saints’ football team in 2008.

Joe Lustgarten (A, 5-10, 150 lbs, Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River)  In prep career, Lustgarten scored 105 goals and added 149 assists, including a senior campaign which featured 33 goals and had 43 helpers. He earned All-America honors from the state of New York (Suffolk County) in 2009. Lustgarten was three- time All Suffolk County Selection and a three-time All-Division selection. As a sophomore, he scored a career-best 38 goals and 100 points and led the Wildcats to a state championship.

Sam McKelvey (D, 6-0, 175 lbs., Davidsonville, Md./South River) McKelvey was the winner of the prestigious 4A/3A C. Markland Kelly Award after a brilliant senior campaign. The close defender was selected First-Team All-Metro (Washington Post) and First-Team All-County and Second-Team All-Metro by The Baltimore Sun.  He also earned First-Team Mid-Atlantic/South honors by U.S. Lacrosse and earned a 4A/3A state title with the Seahawks last spring.

Ethan Murphy (D, 6-0, 180 lbs., West Seneca, N.Y./West Seneca East) During his prep career, Murphy had 514 groundballs, 27 goals, and 13 assists. He earned All-America honors as a senior for the New York-Buffalo region. Murphy was named West Seneca’s Male Athlete of the Year, by the West Seneca Bee and was a two-time First-Team All-Western New York honoree.

Joey Placek (M/A, 5-10, 170 lbs., Laurel, Md./Atholton) Placek was named the Raiders’ Most Valuable Player as a senior. He earned All-County honors in both 2007 and 2009 and served as the team captain last spring. Placek scored a career-high eight goals and added four assists in an overtime win over rival Hammond in his sophomore campaign.

Tony Spada (M, 5-11, 165 lbs, Kingston, N.Y./Saugerties) Spada is a two-time U.S. Lacrosse All-American from the New York-Mid-Hudson region. He was the first junior in New York state Section 9 history to be named an All-American. Spada was a three-time Section 9 First-Team midfielder and was the 2009 Times Herald Record Lacrosse Player-of-the-Year. His Saugerties teams have won six consecutive Section 9 championships.

David Stock (Jr., D, 6-0, 175 lbs., Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township/CCBC –Essex) At CCBC-Essex, Stock was named First-Team All-American by the NJCAA. He also earned Region XX Most Valuable Defensive Player in 2009. Stock was named to First-Team All-Region and to the First-Team All-Maryland JUCO squad.  He was selected First-Team All-League, and was an All-District defenseman while at Manheim Township.

Lucas Wood (D, 6-2, 185 lbs., Columbus, Ohio/Worthington-Kilbourne)  Wood was a three-time First Team All-Region selection and was named to First-Team All-OCC. He also earned First-Team All-Midwest and Second-Team All-Ohio honors in 2009. He helped the Wolves win a state championship as a last spring. Wood also captured the school’s Gold Key Award winner, which is given to a student for having a 3.5 grade-point average through the senior year.

Jake Zimmerman (5-11, 170 lbs., Baltimore, Md./Boys’ Latin)  Zimmerman received the Jack Williams Cup for Sportsmanship in his senior year with the Lakers. The son of UMBC head coach Don Zimmerman, Jake also earned the captain’s award for varsity lacrosse. He also lettered in football for Boys’ Latin and earned academic honor roll recognition during the 2008-09 academic year.