Lacrosse team prepares for season

In seasons past, Lyndon State students didn't consider the Lacrosse team a real force, but this year might be different.

"The team is the best it has ever been, a lot of new and returning talent makes us a force to be reckoned with in the NAC (North Atlantic Conference)" says senior midfielder captain Chris Mansour.

In fact, Mansour might be on to something, the Hornets are returning eight starters including last year's two All-NAC second teamers Caleb Noble and Max Ercole while the team will be featuring two outstanding freshman, Goalkeeper Matt Reynolds and attackman Dan Randall. Fourth-year coach Tim Tierney seems to have a nest full of talent to work with in 2011.

The squad finished their 2010 schedule with a final record of 3-10 in a season that featured the team's first ever playoff appearance, ending in a NAC first round lost to Mount Ida.

This year, Hornets expect to be even more competitive and build off the limited success they saw in 2010.

 "There are a lot of new faces with a lot of heart combined with returners with experience and knowledge needed to lead this team to a second consecutive NAC tournament appearance," said junior defenseman Ryan Brown. "Having a strong defense and new talent on offense will increase our chances to advance to the semifinals and even finals of the NAC (tournament). With one week left we have a lot to learn, but playing Becker in our opener on Sunday the 13th will give us a good idea of where we compare to the tougher teams in our conference."

Key match-ups to keep an eye on this season will be against Becker College on Sunday, at Thomas College on April 9, and the final two games versus heated rival Johnson State and preseason NAC championship favorite, Castleton State, on April 20^th and 23^rd, respectively.

"Be sure to follow the 2011 team throughout the year in hopes of our first .500 season ever," Brown concluded. In seasons past, Lyndon State students didn't consider the Lacrosse team a real force, but this year might be different.