Overview: After the hardships of early season lacrosse, the Naval Academy Midshipmen had the lacrosse world talking about their possible return to greatness. The days since the 2004 title game run have been an afterthought and after Rick Sowell became the coach, the wins against big names have been scarce. Early in the season, Navy scored a single goal against Maryland. After a 1-2 start to the season, Navy won seven of the next nine, which included a win against rival Army. With much of the depth back in Annapolis, Navy is expecting to launch into a playoff team.
The top four returning starters on offense return, the starting goalkeeper is back in John Connors, only Ryan Everson has graduated from the defense, and only 28 points have graduated from last season. The addition of Dom Lamolinara only helps the backline of the Naval Academy defense and starting goalie Connors. With so many veterans, adding more solid recruiting classes by Sowell as he continues his time in Annapolis, this has the makings of a team that could make moves in the DI landscape.
Strengths: Defense—Is there a more fitting group for Navy to be ahead of the curve with? They return senior John Connors in net, Hiram Carter, Matt Rees, Chris Fennell, and Jules Godino on a defense that averaged under nine goals allowed per game. The defense was comprised of a lot of youth in 2015. Now in 2016, this group can take that experience and move forward into a dominant unit not only in the tough Patriot League, but in the nation.
Weakness: Offensive Consistency—Under 10 goals a game average is difficult for a team that early in the season put 21 on an inferior VMI squad and 18 on Lafayette. Navy scored double digits in goals only in 33 percent of the games they played last season. No offensive player reached 40 points last season. The top four scorers, who all return, scored 36, 32, 26, and 24 points on the season. This means only two players averaged over two points per game last season.
Of all the Final Four teams last season, every team had their top four scores above 37 points on the season. Johns Hopkins had their leading second line midfielder score as many points as Navy’s second leading scorer. The Navy offense needs someone to drive the ship forward. Senior leaders Patrick Keena and TJ Hanzsche return at attack, which also has sophomore Jack Ray returning. All three will have the experience of a year together to accomplish more in the system.
The offense played well during the fall practice season, but ran into trouble against Syracuse only scoring two goals. The offense needs to make the move forward by not allowing two goal performances in the spring. Stronger showings, like the contest against Notre Dame, are needed of Navy throughout 2016.
Top Returnee: The Defense—Senior netminder John Connors led the defense last season and has been a solid presence for the Middies. His save percentage hovers around 51 percent, which needs to be better to take the next step, but he has the capability. The group of Fennell, Carter, Rees, and Godino will be ready to hold offenses at bay from start to finish this season.
Breakthrough Player: Jack Ray is going to be the compliment to two seniors at attack and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2016. As the third leading scorer for the Middies, he draws the third strongest defenseman, which will enable him the opportunity to put major points up in the spring. Most of his production has been goals, accumulating only four assists last season. If he can become two-dimensional, he will be pivotal for an academy run to the NCAA Tournament.
Navy needs someone to take control of the offense and be the quarterback. In a team game and team based institution that can be difficult to get out of players. For Navy to be successful, they need production. Even though they were the leading scorers for the Midshipmen, Patrick Kena and TJ Hanzsche need to be the go-to players. Navy is in need of production and from the fall practice season it looks like both players are ready for more. Nationally they go unrecognized, but for this team to be successful they need to produce with the best in the nation.
