UMass Dartmouth men’s lacrosse will rebuild around solid defense and goaltending for 2003

(DARTMOUTH, MA) – The UMass Dartmouth men’s lacrosse team for 2003 will take a different approach this season, rebuilding themselves around solid defense and goaltending and a more ball-control type of offense. Coach Jeff Feroce doesn’t have as many top scorers as he did last season when the Corsairs averaged 13 goals per game and finished with a 9-8 overall record and 5-2 in the Little East Conference.

“We have a very strong, athletic team this season, but its going to be a rebuilding year,” said Feroce, who is entering his sixth season with UMass Dartmouth. “Last year, we could run and gun, but this year we will be more of a ball-control team. Defensively, we have the strongest group event. Our players are big, strong and aggressive.”

The Corsairs’ defense will be built around senior defenders Pat Doyle (Waltham, MA) and Geoff Beckett (Swampscott, MA) along with veteran goalie junior Mike Jenkins (Ashland, MA). As the Corsairs starter last season, Jenkins had a goals against average of 10.66 and a .590 saves percentage. As a team, UMass Dartmouth allowed 11.1 goals per game and only 9.1 goals per game in the LEC.

With Doyle and Beckett returning, several newcomers to the program will have some opportunities to work themselves into the rotation. Among the newcomers Feroce is looking at this season are defenders Rory Hirl (Acton, MA) and Andrew Sabourin (Northfield-Mt Hermon Prep), along with midfielders Brian Pabis (Minnechaug HS) and Mike Ruscio (Agawam, MA) and freshman goalie Mike Foley (Milton, MA). Sophomore Jeff Boudreau (Newton, MA) and freshman Jeff Colella (Newton, MA) could provide an offensive spark as well.

UMass Dartmouth’s offense will revolve around four talented midfielders in sophomore Pat Roach (Billerica, MA), plus juniors Kevin Sawula (Northampton, MA), Joe Mirisola (Ashland, MA) and John King (Ashland, MA). With only three of their top eight scorers back from last season, the Corsairs will need some increased scoring from the returning veterans.

King is the top point scorer back this season, finishing fifth on the team with 25 points on 15 goals and 10 assists. Mirisola leads the Corsair returners with 18 goals along with four assists for 22 points, while Sawula had 15 points and Roach had six.

“Offensively, we’re going to be conservative about choosing those opportune moments in games when it comes to scoring,” said Feroce.

Despite the lack of an overpowering offensive unit, Feroce thinks his defensive unit will rise to the challenge to produce another successful season for the Corsairs.

UMass Dartmouth’s men’s lacrosse program has been improving steadily since being elevated to varsity status for the 1998 season. At 5-2 in the LEC last season, the Corsairs qualified for their second LEC Tournament in as many years. UMass Dartmouth advanced to the LEC Tournament title game after knocking off Southern Maine 19-7 in the semi-finals. Although defeated by Eastern Connecticut, 16-2, in the LEC finals, the Corsairs capped their season with another first – an invitation to the ECAC Division III New England Tournament. The Corsairs lost their ECAC quarterfinal round game, 21-11, at Babson College.

UMass Dartmouth will open the 2003 season on the road at St. Mary’s College in Maryland on March 19 before going to Massachusetts Maritime Academy for a non-conference game on March 22. The Corsiars open LEC action at home on March 26 when they host Salem State College in a 3:30 p.m. game. The Corsairs will face an early season challenge when they travel to Eastern Connecticut in a rematch of last year’s LEC title game. UMass Dartmouth will face the Warriors on April 29 at 2 p.m. in Willimantic, CT.