The Loyola Greyhounds ended 2015 in a rather disappointing state, considering that the senior class had won the school’s first national championship during their tenure. An even record of 8-8 and ending the season on April 21st with a loss to Army. The Greyhounds looks to rebound with vigor to change their fortunes in 2016.
Loyola loses a big piece of the puzzle with the graduation of Nikko Pontrello. Pontrello was a catalyst in the offense at Ridley, so his presence will be missed. Zach Herreweyers returns for his senior season, looking to equal last season successes. The senior had 50 goals during last season’s campaign, including a season high six against Army.
Zack Sirico looks to continue improve his impact on the offense, ending the season fourth on the team in scoring. Coming onto campus is highly touted freshman Patrick Spencer, fresh off the Under Armour All America Game. His development during the fall practice season could be key to the success of the attack in the spring.
The midfield has a lot of depth returning and incoming freshmen looking to reach new heights in offensive production. Brian Sherlock and Romar Dennis are the two most experienced returners. Sherlock finished the season above 20 goals and assists on the season. Dennis has shown flashes of ability and is the most athletic player on the roster, but consistency has been difficult.
Midfield was addressed in this season’s recruiting class, so there are strength in numbers, but the coaches are looking for next level acquisitions. Loyola has taken a backseat in the past two seasons in the Patriot League, so the depth in a such a bruising conference will be key to late season success.
Defense has lost a couple important cogs, but good depth returns on this end of the field. Patrick Fraser graduates and he was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2015. Jason Crane and Jack Carrigan have the experience, looking for a third piece to the puzzle to keep the defense as sold. The veteran experience will be needed early and often in the season as the Greyhounds look to finally overtake teams like Virginia early in their schedule.
Grant Limone saw the most action in 2015, but there is competition this fall. Under Armour All-American Jacob Stover comes in looking to earn the starting spot right away.
The Loyola Greyhounds look to have the depth and drive to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. After last season’s ending, the Greyhounds will likely come out of the gate strong in 2016. Now Loyola needs to keep focus deep into May.
With continued tough scheduling, having returned Johns Hopkins to the schedule, it will be a continued test all season for the Greyhounds. The Final Four has to be the goal for the Greyhounds.
