While the Blue Jays are looking to kick off their season with a W to prove they belong in the new BIG 10 lacrosse conference, the Retrievers are looking to come out of the gates strong and get an early win to keep the momentum from last year going. These two teams agreed to play this game a week earlier than usual due to JHU’s BIG 10 schedule this year. Both coaches feel it is important local rivalry to keep on the books.
Johns Hopkins University
For the first time in their storied history the Blue Jays are in a conference and not playing as an independent. While this did not seem to matter in the past, being in a conference with an AQ could be what they need to get back to Championship Monday. Coach Dave Pietramala is tied for most wins as a head coach at JHU. With a win on Sunday he will hold the record.
The Blue Jays will have experience on their side as they had a very young team last season. Returning on attack will be Wells Stanwick and Ryan Brown. These 2 combined for 121 points last season.
Joining them on offense will be midfielders Holden Cattoni and Connor Reed who had 59 points of their own. With face off man Drew Kennedy at the X, who won 191-324 draws will help this high powered offense get the season started right. On defense they will have Rob Enright and John Kelly returning to protect an experienced goalie in Eric Schneider.
UMBC
After finishing at 8-7 last season Coach Zimmerman will be looking to keep that momentum going into Saturdays game. It will be a tough chore but they also have many returning players from last season. Nate Lewis, Max Maxwell and former midfielder Ty Kashur will be on attack. These three players combined for 96 points last season.
Also returning will be red shirt senior Conor Finch, junior Pat Young, and junior Jack Gannon at the midfield. They combined for 84 points in 2014. Helping to make sure they keep the ball in the offense end will be Nathan Klein. On defense UMBC will be returning their starting 3 close defenders from 2014. Senior Captain Mike Dahl will serve as the quarterback around the crease.
Helping him will be senior Ian Gray and junior Zach Esser. Between the pipes will be will most likely be Connor Gordon who missed the fall but should be ready on to go.
