Men's Lacrosse Closing in on Perfect NESCAC Record

Author: David Freedman

The Middlebury men's lacrosse team earned its sixth straight win on Saturday with an 18-7 rout of Trinity College at Robin L. Sheppard Field.
Coming off a week with stiff competition, Middlebury had previously relied on the offensive starters for point production. The Bantams, however, experienced the team's true depth as 14 different players recorded a goal on the day.
With the game tied at 2-2 after one quarter, goalie Eric Krieger '04 would allow only one more goal in the second quarter while making nine solid saves in one half of play.
Krieger's play in net along with another strong effort on defense by starters Caleb Holmes '03, John West '04 and Ed Brown '04 and long stick middies Tom O'Connor '04 and Will Rawson '05, who split starting duties, allowed the Panthers to go on an eight-goal run to put the game away.
"The defense played great today," said Head Coach Erin Quinn, pointing to the depth of the team defense as a key to the team's success. "There is no one particular guy making plays."
Outside of the starters, Quinn credited the athleticism of Brian Phinney '05 and Gabe Wood '06, the first and most often used substitutes in the defensive rotation, for their defensive efforts as well. "Phinney has made a significant contribution to the defense since rejoining us after the hockey season. He adds depth and athleticism. Wood has been playing well, too, contributing another great athlete to the mix."
Captain Mike Frissora '03 and middie Greg Bastis '04 took advantage of Middlebury's crisp ball movement in the second and third quarters to notch two goals apiece. First-year J.P. Coviello added to the Panther lead in the fourth quarter with two quick goals of his own, the first of his collegiate career. Brian Gault '03 netted two goals on the day as well.
In the second half, with the game in hand, back-up goalie Ned Courtemanche '05 came in to relieve Krieger. Courtemanche made five saves in the second half while shutting Trinity out in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Courtemanche's work in net gave the Panthers more possessions to extend their lead. The Panthers would score five unanswered goals and most of the starters were soon substituted off the field.
Middlebury will play Williams on Wednesday and will go up against Bates on Saturday for the team's two remaining regular season games. With a 7-0 record in New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), Middlebury is looking to host its third straight conference tournament.
"Playing well against Bates and Williams makes this week important for two reasons," Captain Chris Davis '03 points out that the team wants "to end the regular season on a high note, while playing two complete games in preparation for the playoffs."