Saints Ready to Take On Haverford in 2013 Opener

by: 

Tara Freeman

Captain Cam Scullen '13 will lead the Saints' defensive middies in 2013.

Mar. 1: The St. Lawrence University men's lacrosse team will open its 2013 season on Saturday, as the Saints head to Greenwich, CT to take on Haverford College. The Saints, coming off of a rebound year with a record of 12-3 and a conference semifinal appearance, have experienced veterans returning on both ends of the field and could make a push for a Liberty League title.

"We are anxious to start the 2013 season against a Haverford team that is always athletic and well-coached," said St. Lawrence head coach Mike Mahoney, entering his 16th year at the helm. "Over the past four years, both teams have won two games and all of the contests have gone down to the wire."

The Saints offense will be run through senior captain and attackman Davey Hovey, who was the team's leading point scorer last spring with 44 points (15g,29a). The Simsbury, CT native will join Mac Johnson as a solid one-two punch at attack, while captain Tucker Garfield and junior standout Pierson Fowler lead the offensive middies.

"Offensively, we expect our returners to provide a spark, especially early on in the year," said Coach Mahoney. "We have a deep group of guys that has played well in the pre-season and we hope that carries over to the regular season."

Other offensive contributors returning to the roster include Cody Danforth, Justin Ingram and Dave Schoettler. Newcomer Jeremy Vautour is also hoping to make an immediate impact on the score sheet.

The St. Lawrence defense should also be one of the better units in the conference, with captain Cam Scullen anchoring the defensive middies. The Hingham, MA native will play alongside Oliver Dennis and Josh Robinson, while Brian Wilber, Sam Marvin, Bret Newman and Jack Roberts handle duties defensively in front of the St. Lawrence goaltender. Meanwhile, between the pipes, seniors Jeff Goeke and Jack Nuland will once again compete for the go-to role.

"Jeff (Goeke) and Jack (Nuland) have been pushing each other, and we feel very comfortable with either leading us from that position," added Coach Mahoney regarding the goaltender spot.

Though St. Lawrence is opening its season on Saturday, the Fords of Haverford enter with a 0-1 record after a road loss to nationally-ranked No. 5 Cabrini. The Saints earned a 7-6 win over the Fords in the 2012 opener behind two-goal games by both Fowler and Johnson, while Nuland added five saves.

"With any early game, playing consistently, disciplined and hard for 60 minutes will be the key," said Coach Mahoney. "We will have to do all of those things to give ourselves a chance against Haverford."

The Saints and Fords are scheduled to get underway at 1:00pm tomorrow at the Brunswick School.