Photo of Tyson Bomberry and Tehoka Nanticoke, courtesy of Syracuse Athletic Communications
Photo of Chase Scanlan, courtesy of Larry French
By Mitchell Courtney
Knighthawks Feature Writer

Now that most NCAA lacrosse programs have had some time to figure out what kind of team they have, early season action has become even more intriguing. Some of the country’s top teams have already fallen to squads that were deemed unlikely to contend.

A young Jacksonville University group fell once more as they were defeated by Marquette by a score of 14-12. Freshman and potential star Wake:Riat BowHunter tallied a goal and an assist in the loss. The Dolphins will look to collect their first victory of the season against Michigan in the Moe’s Lacrosse Classic on Saturday, Feb. 23.

High Point University and freshman Devon Buckshot first defeated Dan Burnam’s Drexel squad in overtime on Feb. 16 in overtime by a score of 15-14, and then defeated always tough Virginia 14-13 on Feb. 18. Neither of the two played in the first matchup, and Buckshot was also not active in his team’s second contest of the week. The two freshmen will continue to work their way into their respective lineups.

Freshman Matt Duncan and St. John’s University handled Hartford with relative ease, defeating their opponents by a score of 18-10. Duncan did not tally any goals or assists in the contest, but he did collect six ground balls.

Kyran Sunday was not in the lineup for Hofstra’s impressive win over Utah, but his team was satisfied earning their second win of the season. The Pride will travel to Villanova on Saturday, Feb. 23 as they look to remain undefeated on the young season. Villanova is coming off a one-goal victory against the defending national championship victors Yale University.

Electric freshman Chase Scanlan and the high-powered Loyola Greyhounds took out senior defenseman Jake Fox and the struggling John’s Hopkins Blue Jays on Feb. 16, 18-12. Fox was not in the lineup for the matchup, but Scanlan excelled, leading his team with four goals and two assists in the game. Following his team’s strong performance, Scanlan noted that he feels comfortable early on.

“I think it just comes naturally,” said the young forward. “If we work the ball around and play as a team, things will come. A lot of guys on this team can make plays.”

Loyola head coach Charley Toomey said that his team’s practice habits have translated into their games.

“We see [it] every day in practice,” he said. “It was nice for everybody else to see what we see every day in practice. We’re very blessed that [Chase] is on our sideline.”

The Albany Great Danes were disappointed in their performance against in-state foe Syracuse University, falling by a score of 13-5. In the low-scoring effort, Indigenous players Tehoka Nanticoke, Jakob Patterson, and Teio McComber recorded points for the Great Danes. For the Orange, Tyson Bomberry recorded one shot on goal and scooped up seven ground balls on the way to victory. Albany will look to bounce back as it takes on Dan Burnam and Drexel on Saturday, Feb. 23, and the Orange will look to continue their winning ways against Army on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Junior College lacrosse will not ramp up their action until the beginning of March, but Onondaga Community College head coach Eric Miccio is not hesitant in praising the talent he has on his roster.

“[Myles Jacobs] has an unbelievable work ethic and the drive to be great,” said the first-year head coach. “He will have major contributions to our team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”

As some team’s battle through adversity, others have enjoyed unexpected early season success, allowing for speculation to run rampant through the media. However, these groups of young men and their head coaches are optimistic, and they understand that outside opinions do not affect the way they perform on the field.