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Program Notes
Coming off of a deceivingly competitive 3-10 season in 2008, the 2009 edition of the Bates College men's lacrosse team has thus far endured some strains of the same song, with several nice victories combined with a few close losses. Off to a 3-8 start, three of Bates' losses have come by three goals or less, and only two have been by more than five goals. Playing in arguably the toughest conference in Division III, the Bobcats rank fourth in the NESCAC in ground balls per game and sixth in shots per game (35.36), but shooting accuracy has at times been an issue, as Bates ranks 10th in shot percentage and in goals per game. Still, senior Tyler Moore (North Andover, Mass.) ranks 15th in the NESCAC in goals per game (1.73) and has usually been at the center of things when the Bobcats get hot. He scored all four of his goals in the fourth quarter when Bates defeated Connecticut College for their first conference win on April 4. Junior David Barrett (Chatham, N.J.) is second on the team in scoring with 13 goals and three assists, and is tied for 10th in the conference in man-up goals, with four. Sophomore middie Rory Cosgrove (Pittsburgh, Pa.) has nine goals and two assists, and fellow sophomore middie Pat Jackson (Durham, N.H.) is another solid building block, with 36 ground balls, two goals and two assists through 11 games. The Bates defense, led by senior Matt Knortz (East Granby, Conn.), junior Hans Tobiason (Yarmouth, Maine) and junior Michael Nadler (Westborough, Mass.), has been solid in front of first-year goalie Adam Scharff (Glyndon, Md.), who shows promise of becoming a true team asset and is sixth in the NESCAC in saves per game (10.55). The Bobcats will try to claw their way into the NESCAC tournament in their remaining two regular-season games against rivals Bowdoin (April 21 at home) and Colby (April 24 on the road). Recruiting The Bates lacrosse program recruits on a national level, attracting the most qualified student-athletes in the country. The Bobcats’ roster includes players from throughout New England, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The drive and focus that characterize Bates lacrosse players enable them to thrive on and off the athletic field. A supportive faculty, superb resources and a dynamic curriculum allow each student-athlete to explore his potential in every way. Philosophy Bates players and coaches possess a passion for the game. From preseason conditioning to the spring season, enthusiasm and energy pervade the program. The coaches design individual action plans to help each player improve his skills, speed and strength. “We start with the premise that everyone wants to perform at the highest level,” says head coach Peter Lasagna. “We provide the tools and the support for them to attain their team and individual goals.” Bates plays a fast-paced, transition style that depends on sound team defense, aggressive riding and shared purpose on offense. Schedule and Facilities The Bobcats’ preseason begins in February with a warm-weather training trip and games against top Division III opponents. Up north, Bates competes to be among the top seven teams and qualify for the NESCAC Championships and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championships. The Bobcats use Bates' AstroTurf field for practice and games. |
