Men's returners hope to undo last year's mediocre showing
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Last year's 9-5 record was a bit difficult to stomach compared to the joyride that was the undefeated 2005 championship run. But the `07 version of Hopkins lacrosse promises to be special. The stellar recruitment class of 2005 is older, wiser, quicker and stronger. A look at this year's top returners:
Jesse Schwartzman, Senior Goalie
The team "iron man," Schwartzman was trenched in the goal for all 14 matches last season. His best game in 2006 came against arguably the Jays' most bitter foe, Princeton, when he held the Tigers to six goals and saved 14 shots in a losing effort. Many forget that Schwartzman, an expert at point-blank saves, was named the 2005 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player while holding postseason opponents to 7.35 goals per game and accumulating 37 saves within the same four-game span. Hopkins' chances for championship success this year will most likely hinge on the clutch sticking of this 2007 Honorable Mention Preseason All-American goaltender.
Paul Rabil, Junior Midfielder
The offense is in mighty good hands with Rabil, a First Team All-American selection who led the team in total scoring last year. His 25 goals and 13 assists in 2006 garnered him the prestigious honor as he became the first Hopkins midfielder since 1998 to be recognized. By just glancing at the first quarter box score of last year's game against powerhouse Syracuse, 15 minutes into which Rabil zipped in three difficult goals, one can achieve an understanding of how special this supernatural is. Rabil's ability to work through traffic can be jaw-dropping at times and his on-the-field presence is unprecedented. A man who leads by quiet example and diligence on the practice field, Rabil is poised for another breakout season.
Kevin Huntley, Junior Attack
Having gotten off to one of the fastest starts in Hopkins lacrosse history, Huntley cooled down during the second half of a tiresome '06. Firing in 15 goals and notching six assists within the first five games, Huntley showed vibrant glimpses of being the best attacker in the country. The speed of his stick is off the charts - against Albany last February, Huntley scored three times in 71 seconds.
Matt Drenan, Sophomore Defense
Starting on defense from start to finish last year, Drenan was thought to be the centerpiece in a class of super freshmen. Scooping up 32 groundballs in 2006, Drenan excelled at the close defenseman position and will be featured prominently in the defense at the beginning of this year. With Matt Pinto having graduated and senior Eric Zerrlaut out due to injury, Drenan will be expected to help fill the voids created by the departures.
Brendan Skakandi, Senior Long Stick Midfielder
Slotted in one of the most underappreciated positions on the team, long stick midfielder Skakandi is one of the more integral parts of the Jays' transition game. Skakandi's breakout performance came last April at home against the Towson Tigers, a down-to-the-wire contest in which he picked up eight groundballs. Appointed as one of the three co-captains on this year's squad, Skakandi's leadership skills are undoubtedly valuable to the long stretch ahead.
Jake Byrne, Senior Attack
Byrne will be the man to watch come playoff time. Having scored in each of the 9 playoff games he's participated in, Byrne has a knack for delivering in critical situations. Byrne hopes to continue his undeniable proficiency on offense as he registered 28 points in 2006, four short of the 32 he accumulated in 2005. The underclassmen will depend on the guidance of Byrne, who has been named as a captain for the second consecutive year.
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