Perfect League Record for Men's Lacrosse Panthers to Host Third Consecutive NESCAC Tournament

Author: David Freedman

The Middlebury men's lacrosse team will host its third straight New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) tournament in Alumni Stadium this weekend, having earned the number one seed, a first round-bye, and the right to host the final four by finishing the conference regular season with an unblemished 8-0 record.
The Panthers clinched the NESCAC championship hosting rights with a well fought 11-6 victory over Williams College on Wednesday and remained undefeated in conference play with a 10-6 win over Bates College on Saturday.
While the offense could not get into a rhythm against Williams, goalie Eric Krieger '04 had another strong game in net, making 14 saves and holding the Ephs scoreless in the third quarter. With the Panthers up 5-4 after halftime, Krieger's play earned the offense more and more opportunities to put the game away.
"Krieger has been the backbone of our defense this year," Captain Mike Frissora '03 said. "He has been truly consistent and reliable in the cage. His game keeps our defense and team focused and organized."
In a game where Middlebury's passes where not as crisp as usual and with Williams defense pressing hard in hopes of an upset win, Head Coach Erin Quinn was extremely proud of the Panther's own defensive effort, especially Krieger's contributions.
"We could have done some things better on the day," Quinn said, "but we were excellent on the defensive end of the field all day and Krieger was outstanding."
The Panthers scored six goals in the second half to secure the victory. Charley Howe finished his chances on the attack, notching three goals while adding one assist, showing why he is one of the team's leading scorers. Reserve attacker Brian Gault '03 took advantage of his playing time to score his eighth goal this season. Greg Bastis '04 contributed to the offensive output with two goals of his own, while Mike Saraceni '04, Dave Leach '05, Andrew Giordano '05 and Ben Tobey '04 all added a goal and an assist each.
Playing on Peter Kohn Turf Field on the lacrosse team's alumni weekend in front of plenty of alumni players, Middlebury took on Bates in yet another rainy day game. Bates opened the scoring just a minute in, but Middlebury got back on track when Saraceni bounced one home from 10 yards out off a quick pass from middie Travis Meyer '06. Howe made the score 2-1 for the first of his three goals in the game with an unassisted score minutes later. By the end of the first quarter, however, the score was tied and Bates was still in the game.
Middlebury then rallied off eight straight goals, torching the Bobcats' zone and sealing the victory. Three first years scored in the Panther run, Jon Sisto '06, Aaron Herter '06, and Meyer, each of them grabbing their goal off outstanding passes from Saraceni, who had four assists on the afternoon.
Sisto's goal came on one of the best plays of the game. Middie Mike Murray '05 picked up a ground ball at midfield, passed it to Will Rawson '05 right before he got cut off by a Bates defender. Rawson threw a long and crisp pass to Saraceni, and Saraceni instantly moved the ball in front of the net for Sisto to bounce one home.
Captain Brian McGregor '03 had another strong day at the X, winning 12 of the 20 face-offs he took. In the second and third quarters, the effort of McGregor and his wings, Rawson and Leach, minimized Bates to only five offensive possessions over thirty minutes of play.
The team's play has been steadily improving all year long, and both the players and coaches feel the Panthers are ready for the postseason.
"We have made tremendous strides throughout the year, but we must retain our focus going into the NESCAC tournament," Frissora said. "We practice everyday only focused on ourselves and our team, aiming to improve day to day."
Middlebury will begin to defend its two NESCAC championships this weekend when the team takes on the Lord Jeffs from Amherst in the NESCAC semifinals in Alumni Stadium on Saturday at 12:00.