Men's: Lacrosse teams end season, miss out on SUNYACs

The Brockport men's lacrosse season has come and gone. Between glorious victories and heart-wrenching losses, the Golden Eagles experienced much in 2009.Brockport was 4-3 after their first seven games, but would then drop four of their next five contests to finish 5-7 (3-4 SUNYAC). That record would land them in fifth place in the SUNYAC standings, just one spot out from the playoffs.

Despite returning a lot of talent on the offensive end, the Golden Eagles sometimes had trouble scoring throughout the season. The squad only managed two games, with 10 or more goals scored. Their 91 goals scored this year was eighth, or last, in the conference. SUNY Potsdam was ahead in seventh, with 113 goals scored.

That shouldn't take anything away from some of the "Elite Eagles" however. Sophomore attacker Matt Andon-McLane managed team-highs in goals (22) and assists (8). Brockport's all-time leading scorer, junior attacker Adam Drypolcher, posted 20 points (15 goals and five assists) in another outstanding year for his career.

The midfield was led by seniors Joe Gomez and Brad Olzinski, along with junior Brian Loeffler. Combined, those three midfielders had 30 goals and nine assists.

Although the Golden Eagles posted relatively low offensive numbers, they managed to stay competitive. Six games were decided by two goals or less, including a double overtime loss to Kean University March 28.

The ability to stay competitive in almost every game with a low scoring offense is an indicator of how well the defense and goalie played all season.

Sophomore defender Brian Knecht posted a team high in caused turnovers with 10. Coincidentally he also posted a team-high in penalties with nine. Senior long-pole midfielder Rich Amundson was second on the team in takeaways with nine.

Senior goalie Garret Allwes was another bright spot for the Golden Eagles. Over the course of the season, he faced 297 shots and posted 129 saves, which is good for a .556 save percentage and an overall spectacular year.

Of course, with the season coming to a close, the lacrosse careers close for the seniors. Next years team will be without seniors Allwes, Olzinski, Amundson, Gomez, Jeremy DeJohn, Jeff Lindstrom and Nick DeMarco.

The nine seniors will be missed next season, but the core of the offense returns with Andon-McLane, Drypolcher and sophomore attacker Mike Tammaro, all returning in 2010.

The 3-4 SUNYAC record may not have been the goal Brockport wanted to achieve this season, but with a strong recruiting class, good offseason and returning impact players, the Golden Eagles will have the opportunity to reach the postseason for the first time.