Conn College lacrosse previews

LACROSSE/MEN

Coach: Dave Cornell (4th year)

Key returnees: Sr. A Steve Daschille, Sr. M Sean Driscoll, Sr. D Will Schumann, Sr. A Phips Smith, Sr. M Kevin Nally, Jr. A Ryan Hayes, Jr. A Rob Walsh, So. M Chuck Czerkawski, Jr. M Dan Gallagher, So. M Nick Rodericks, Jr. M Eric Doran, Jr. M Mark Mangano, So. D Clay Hillyer, Jr. D Jonathan Gray, Sr. D Peter Crisafulli, So. D Mike O'Donnell, So. G Rob Moccia, So. G John Lenehan.

Top newcomers: So. M Drew Green, So. M Greg Demetrioui, So. M Wade Berry.

Outlook: The Camels have experience at every position, so Cornell believes Conn can compete for top honors in the New England Small College Athletic Conference this spring. The Camels have two explosive players on the attack, led by captains Dachille (83 career goals) and Hayes (29 goals, 40 assists in 2009), while Driscoll, who missed the 2008 season with an injury, and Nally, who spend his junior senior abroad, return to anchor the midfield. "We need to learn how to finish," Cornell said. Defensively, Moccia and Lenehan are battling for the starting job in goal while Schumann, a tri-captain along with Dachille and Driscoll, leads an experienced backfield that also returns Gray and Hillyer. Conn opens its season Saturday at Trinity, then plays its home opener the following day against Plymouth State.

LACROSSE/WOMEN

Coach: Heather McClelland (5th year)

Key returnees: Sr. D Cookie Smith, Sr. D Kylee Yam, Sr. D Kristen Dirmaier, Sr. A Sara Christopher, So. D Dee Ezzio, So. D Grace Megaffin, So. G Ashleigh Kowtoniuk, Jr. M Abby Hill, So. M Hope Barone, So. M Ashleigh Crutchfield, So. A Katelyn Driscoll, So. A Diane Essis, So. A Paige Cowie.

Top newcomers: Fr. D Molly Murphy, Fr. M Brianna Miller, Fr. M Caroline Corbett, Fr. M Cameron Flaherty, Fr. A Libby Nichols, Fr. A Kelsey Nickerson, Fr. A Maura Brazel, Fr. A Emily Hines.

Outlook: Conn hopes to challenge for a NESCAC postseason berth this spring. "We've got a young team, but show a lot of potential and have high expectations going into this year," McClelland said. "We also have strong leadership in key areas on the field." Kowtoniuk, who led the NESCAC in save percentage (.545) and saves per game (11.14) returns in goal and has Smith, an All-Region player in 2009, back on defense. Hill, another All-Region selectee in 2009, provides speed and experience in the midfield along with Barone (22 goals as a freshman) and Crutchfield (10 goals). Christopher (26 goals in 2009) leads the attack and needs only five points to reach 100 for her career, while Driscoll (18 goals) is also a threat up front. Conn opens its season at home Saturday against Trinity.