Photo by: Sports Media Relations
The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team opens the 2004 season against Vermont and defending national champion Virginia in the Pioneer Face-Off classic Feb. 28-29.
“It’s important to have a strong schedule,” said Head Coach Jamie Munro. “We can get into the NCAA tournament as conference champions, but we could also get in as an at large bid.”
On top of the strong competition in the Face-Off classic, the Pioneers will face Ohio State and Notre Dame in league play as well as non-conference opponents Duke and North Carolina.
In the Face Off Lacrosse Magazine Division 1 pre-season top 25 Power Poll, Notre Dame sits at No. 16 with Ohio State close behind at No. 17. Duke and North Carolina are nestled in the top 10 while the Pioneers are ranked at No. 23. With one of the most challenging schedules in the country, Munro knows his team has what it takes to win.
“In the Yale tournament, we were able to perform and dominate in many ways,” said Munro. “The guys are committed to making this a program of strong character.”
The Pioneers enjoy depth of experience in defenders and midfielders returning from last season.
“We have a lot of our defense back and freshman David Hann has stepped up and will do a lot of great things,” said Munro. “In the midfield, Adam Swain has become more and more of a player who will contribute each game.”
After playing in every game last year, sophomore Andrew MacDonnell has acclimated well as a longstick midfielder, which will give the Pioneers strength in another position.
“Andrew is just so savvy in many ways,” said Munro. “With his skills, his passing, he can just make plays. He is going to compete very well.”
This season will be the first time that the team will have 15 junior and seniors who will play crucial roles. Last season the Pioneers only had seven and the year before that they only had six.
“It’s huge, because we have a great group of seniors and the combination with the juniors will work well,” said Munro.
The only position undergoing a significant transformation is the goalkeeper after the loss of Jeff Nunziato. After two years as Nunziato’s backup, junior Brian Sanders is capable of picking up where he left off, said Munro.
“[Sanders] has been excellent and everything we have hoped for,” said Munro. “I think anytime you have someone with two years of apprenticeship and he has done well in practice, he just wants to get in that game situation.”
Although it is tough to improve on a successful season, the 2004 version of Pioneer men’s lacrosse portends to be sharper and electrifying.
“It takes time to get the maturation and confidence to get there,” said Munro. “We grabbed it midway last year and I know the guys felt it. It is going to be an exciting year, no question.”
The 2004 season will open with the Pioneer Face-Off Classic, which will be held this weekend in Denver at Pioneer Field. The Pioneers will take on Vermont Sat. Feb. 28 and Virginia Sun. Feb. 29. Both games are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.
