Boston College Athletics
1999 Men's Lacrosse Outlook
June 21, 1999 | Men's Lacrosse
February 18, 1999
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - With 14 letterwinners returning, including seven starters, this year's Eagles' squad could be the best in recent history. The team is poised to continue their improvement and qualify for their third E.C.A.C. tournament in the past four years.
BC finished last season winning six of their final nine contests, including a four-game winning streak in the beginning of April. The Eagles' season ended with a loss to Fairfield in the ECAC Tournament.
Head coach Ed Moy returns for his 14th season and expects the team to improve on last year's 7-9 record.
"I fully expect a marked improvement over our performance last year," Moy said.
Gone is Boston College's all-time leading scorer Kevin McLane. McLane recorded 203 points 121 goals, 82 assists in his four years at the Heights. Many players will have to contribute and fill the gap left by McLane's graduation.
Attack
The Eagles' attack combines a mix of veterans and qualified newcomers. It will take a group effort to replace McLane's team-high 40 goals and 54 points.
"We should be improved offensively," Moy said. "We have increased our size, speed and skill."
Junior Dan Hayden is the top returning attackman. Hayden ranked fourth on the team with 16 goals last season. He added nine assists to register 25 points in 15 games.
"Hayden will be our primary man on attack," Moy said. "His quickness and athletic ability will enable him to handle his responsibility."
Junior Jason Wren will be counted on to increase his output from last sesaon. Juniors Jeff Mathias and Ted Wagenknecht and sophomore Mike Adair will compete up front.
Sophomores Mark Monahan and Charles Koch will see more playing time as the year progresses. Freshmen David Bartholomew and Scott Lee will get an opportunity to contribute immediately.
Midfield
One of the team's tri-captains, senior Rob McMullen will control the middle zone for the Eagles. McMullen tallied two goals in 10 games last season. His leadership will help steady a young group of midfielders.
"McMullen is a smart player in the defensive midfield," Moy said. "He leads by his play on-the-field."
Senior Pat McCavanaugh and junior Kiernan O'Connor are offensive midfielders and will provide much of the Eagles' scoring punch. McCavanaugh is the top returning scorer for BC. He led the team with 30 assists and added 14 goals last spring.
"McCananaugh is our biggest and strongest midfielder," Moy said. "He has the best shot on the team."
O'Connor finished last season as the team's third leading goal scorer (21). He added four assists to finish with 25 points, tied for fourth on the team.
"O'Connor is our best midfielder," Moy said. "He is always on the field when its crunch time."
Senior Tyler Jewell is the Eagles' number one face-off man. He tallied nine goals and five assists last spring. Senior Welles Crowther moves to midfield after tallying five goals and two assists on the attack last season.
Seniors Ryan Bittman and James Tremble will serve as defensive midfielders for coach Moy. Bittman played in 11 games last season, while Tremble competed in 12 contests.
Junior Mike Sullivan returns after tallying seven goals last season. Sophomore James Garth came to the Heights carrying high expectations. He lived up to his reputation, playing in 14 games.
Senior Tim Curry played in 15 games a year ago, tallying one goal and three assists. Sophomores Cort Duda and Taylor Whitman will help sure up the middle. Freshmen John Finn, James Gotfredson, Matthew Safaii and Tom Smith will battle for playing time.
Defense
The defense will add leadership to a young Eagles' squad. Two of the team's tri-captains, senior Matt Casamassia and senior Mark Whipple, will engineer the backfield.
BC's best defensive player may be Casamassia. Honorable mention All-New England last season, Casamassia will mark the opponents' top scorer. In addition to his constant defensive pressure, Casamassia added two goals last spring.
"Casamassia is a take-away artist," Moy said.
Senior Mark Whipple played in all 16 games last year and will continue his leadership role on and off the field.
Sophomore Dan Doucette, a transfer from Army, will start and add experience to the defensive corps. Junior Marc Albano and freshmen Daniel Ripp and Brad Bateman will bolster a strong group of defensemen.
Sophomore Ian Burke returns after playing in seven games last season. Sophomore Brendan Sullivan moves to defense after playing goalie last season.
Goalie
Manning the net for the second consecutive year is senior Anthony Cirri. Cirri started all 16 games last spring and will be the team's full-time goalie this season. Cirri compiled a 7-9 record and made 203 saves.
"We knew we were getting a good shot stopper from the first time we saw Cirri play," Moy said. "He shows great leadership for his defensemen."
Junior Tom Gallagher will serve as Cirri's back up. Gallagher made 21 saves in five games last spring. Freshman James Karambay will also serve as a back up goalie.
