WHERE: @ Stony Brook
WHEN: Friday February 14 @ 6:00
In what will be another of these seemingly annual opening season rematches, Marist will travel to “Strong Island” to play an up-and-coming Stony Brook team. Last season, Marist beat Stony Brook 13-9 on their way to having a nice 2013 season. They ended the year 10-4 and 5-1 in the MAAC, where they were the regular season champions. On the other hand, Stony Brook went 7-9 and were involved in six one-goal games and two two-goal games.
This season, Marist opens the year by returning four starters off last year’s squad and will take on a high-flying Stony Brook offense. While it is Valentine’s Day, there will be no love to be found on the lacrosse field when these New York programs face off.
Stony Brook Offense vs. Marist Defense
Edge: Stony Brook
While Stony Brook loses do-it-all midfielder Jeff Tundo and his team-leading 63 points this season, they bring back everyone else on offense. What makes it scarier is that all of them are young and are oozing with potential to put up big numbers this year. Attackmen Brody Eastwood and Mike Rooney, as well as midfielder Challen Rogers, are going to give the Marist defense a truly tough time. Why? That Marist defense loses all three of their starting defensemen from last year.
The lone bright spots for Marist? The return of senior Patrick Eaker and junior goalie Dave Scarcello. Eaker was the 2013 MAAC Co-Long Stick Midfielder of the Year, while Scarcello posted a 53.1 save percentage and saved 138 shots last season. However, on Friday, both will have a tough time containing what should be a tough Seawolves offense.
Stony Brook Defense vs. Marist Offense
Edge: Push
Last season, the Seawolves ranked 50th in the nation on defense as they allowed 11.8 goals per game. While they lose senior defenseman Savaughn Greene, they do bring back junior defenseman Bryan Judge and senior defenseman George Benitez. The biggest question will be how sophomore goalie Dan Shaughnessy plays after a freshman season that saw him save only 46 percent of his shots.
Luckily for the Seawolves, Marist loses three of their top five scorers in attackmen Connor Rice (49 points) and Jack Doherty (44 points) and midfielder Jim Marks (26 points). MAAC Rookie of the Year Joseph Radin and junior Drew Nesmith will have to shoulder the load for what will be an inexperienced offense.
There will a lot of questions for both teams on this side of the field and thus, will be a pivotal matchup on Friday night.
Faceoffs
Edge: Stony Brook
This is pretty simple. Stony Brook brings back their freshman faceoff man, Frank Lucatuorto, who went 15-24 at the ‘X’ last season against the Red Foxes. Meanwhile, Marist loses senior faceoff man Matt Dugan who went 7-12 in the game last season. Dugan’s replacement? Dominic Montemurro, who went 3-12 last year against Stony Brook. Look for Lucatuorto to give Stony Brook a lot more possessions.
Prediction
Marist had a great season in 2013, however, they only return four starters off of last year’s squad. Meanwhile, Stony Brook has a high powered offense and only loses two players from last year’s starting lineup. It may be close early on, like last weekend’s games were, but you should expect the Seawolves to pull away in the second half.
Stony Brook 12, Marist 7
