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2018 Men’s Lacrosse Season Preview

2018 Men’s Lacrosse Season Preview

Video Preview

2018 Roster
2018 Schedule
2017 Statistics

Patchogue, NY| With the program's inaugural season one year in the past, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's lacrosse team looks to build upon a successful first season in 2018.

Back at the helm is legendary Long Island high school lacrosse coach Tom Rotanz, who returns 17 players from 2017's roster. A year ago, Rotanz guided the Golden Eagles to a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 conference mark. The team finished seventh in the Skyline standings and one game out of a playoff berth.

The Returners: Among the 17 returners is senior midfielder Casey Hickey, who finished second on the team in goals (33), assists (21) and points (54) last season. Hickey will feature in a midfield with seniors Brandon Riley and Jack Murrary, who recorded 25 and 24 points, respectively, in 2017.

In attack, sophomores Chris Nielsen and Kyle Levantino could receive expanded roles in 2018.

Senior defenders Tim Durkin, Kevin Fox and Victor Olivero anchor a defense that allowed the fewest goals (139) in the Skyline Conference last season. Sophomore goalie Andrew Yoli, who posted a .451 save percentage as a freshman, also returns.

The Newcomers: Rotanz brought in a plethora of recruits in the summer, many of which arrive at SJC via transfers. Beefing up the attack will be sophomore Matthew Fernandez who arrives from Belmont Abbey, while senior Matt Prokesch (Plattsburgh) and Division I transfer Zak Jones (Stony Brook) help fill out the midfield.

Joining from Suffolk County CC are juniors Christian Prate and Clercy Gaines II, who will challenge for jobs on defense and in the midfield, respectively.

Additionally, eight freshmen join the SJC ranks, including midfielder Michael Benasutti out of Centereach.

Expectations: With perennial powerhouses Montclair, Kean and Stockton leaving the conference, the Skyline title is up for grabs. Now with seven teams in the conference, four will qualify for postseason berths and SJC expects to be in the hunt.

The results of the Skyline Conference Men's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll, released on February 15, saw the Golden Eagles selected third, tied with Mount St. Mary College.

2018 Skyline Conference Men's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll
Rank, Team (first-place votes), Points 

1. USMMA (4), 34
2. Farmingdale State (2), 29
3t. Mount Saint Mary (1) and St. Joseph's-L.I., 25
5. Maritime, 17
6. Purchase, 11
7. Mount Saint Vincent, 6

When they begin: The Golden Eagles open their 2018 season on Tuesday, February 27 when they host non-conference opponent Mitchell College at Danzi Stadium at 5:30 pm. From there, SJC hits the road to face Salve Regina on March 2 before returning home for another non-conference contest vs. Marywood on March 6.