By Akshay Kripalani Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again when the Susquehanna men’s lacrosse season is on the verge of starting. This is the team’s first year as the River Hawks.
Last year the team played 17 games and went 12-5 overall with a record of 5-1 in the Landmark Conference. In those 17 games, the team scored 181 goals with 108 assists and averaged around 10 goals per game on 37 shots.
In conference play last year, Susquehanna’s only blemish was a 10-7 loss to Elizabethtown.
The River Hawks made it to the conference playoffs but fell to Catholic 8-6, which ended the season, and for the 11 seniors that graduated last season, ended their careers.
“Our team has worked hard in preseason with a great spirit and attitude,” Head Coach Stewart Moan said. “We are optimistic about our chances to compete for a conference championship.”
Moan has the right to be confident. Susquehanna can build off last year’s success and will more than likely be near the top of the conference standings with Catholic and Elizabethtown.
“Last year we graduated some outstanding individual players who were able to lead us to a very successful season. This year we feel we are a more well-rounded team with an outstanding balance of returners and younger players that can all contribute,” Moan said.
If Moan’s prediction pans out, then Susquehanna could see vast improvements in not only wins but statistics as well. Last year, the River Hawks had one of the best shots-on-goal differentials in the first quarter in the conference with a staggering 31-shot lead over their opponents.
Moan is not the only person who has high hopes for the upcoming season, as the players are also ready to make their mark on the conference.
Senior attacker Chet McLaughlin said, “We are all very excited for the upcoming season. The team has been working in harmony, and we expect big things this year. Our roster is filled with talent, and we are all pleased with the depth we have at every position.”
One position to take note of is goalie. Last year, then-freshman Dylan Abplanalp led the entire conference in goals-against average with 7.15 per game.
Another strong season from him could be the key for Susquehanna to bring home a conference title.
The 2017 season will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 18 at home against conference rival Lycoming.
Last season, Lycoming finished at 4-11 and fell Susquehanna in their season opener 4-13.
Susquehanna is poised to make a deep playoff run, but for now, the team is focused on not getting too far ahead of themselves.
“We like to take one game at a time, so we are extremely focused on our home opener against Lycoming this Saturday. The team expects to have a successful season, and it all starts with a win at home this Saturday,” McLaughlin said.
