FEBRUARY 24, 2015

KING'S TO OPEN SEASON WEDNESDAY AGAINST MARYWOOD

WILKES-BARRE — The King's College men's lacrosse team will open the 2015 season on Wednesday when the Monarchs host Marywood University at 4:00 p.m. at McCarthy Stadium.

The Monarchs are looking to build off a 2014 season in which the team reached the semifinals of the Freedom Conference Tournament before dropping a 9-8 four-overtime verdict to DeSales.  The Monarchs return 19 players from last season and welcome nine newcomers who hope to take the program to the next level.

King's will be led by one of the traditionally strongest defense in the Freedom Conference. Last season the Monarchs allowed just 7.39 goals per-game and the defense will be counted on until a young offensive unit gels.  King's was hit hard by graduation and lost five of its top nine scorers, including the top scorers Mike O'Brien and Kieran McMahon on the squad.  

Defensively, King's returns senior Chris Theodorou,  juniors Billy Malone, Marshall Hardy, and Jeff Anclien. Theodorou had 23 caused turnovers and 17 ground balls; Malone tallied 32 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers, while added 15 ground balls.  Also back are sophomores Ryan Secor, Joseph Cupoli and Craig Lowman. Looking to make an impact on defense is freshman Mark Burridge.

In goal King's will crown a new starter following the graduation of Brendan McCrudden. Junior Derek Bowman played in four games with one start last season and posted a 7.72 goals against average and made 26 saves.  Senior William Pokorny saw action in three games and had a 5.57 GAA with nine saves. Freshmen Connor Flynn and George Pfieffer are also looking to challenge.

At attack, King's will be led by senior co-captain Kevin Sweeney who finished third in scoring last season.  Sweeney posted 31 points on 21 goals and 10 assists and had 20 ground balls while Bungert added 22 points on 13 goals and nine assists and registered 40 ground balls. Senior Michael Whitfield and sophomore Michael Paniccia will provide depth at attack.  Newcomers looking to add to the offense at attack are freshmen Cam Trick, Reed Jimenez, and Brock Johnson.

In the midfield, the Monarchs will be paced by senior co-captain A.J. Bungert and juniors Marshall Hardy and Evan Lawshe. Bungert was fourth on the squad last season with 22 points on 13 goals and nine assists with 40 ground balls while Hardy chipped in with two goals and one assist. Lawshe had 12 points on 10 goals and two assists. Also back are senior Ryan Dambach and sophomores Dylan Jansen, Mike DiCarlo, and Ryan Boornazian. Newcomers include Nick Foley, Reilly Breig and Matt Rerig.

After its season opener Wednesday, the Monarchs will play two more home games over Spring Break.  King's will host Susquehanna University Saturday at 1:00 p.m. before entertaining Goucher College March 7 at 1:00 p.m.