Utica, N.Y. (2-27-12) – The Utica College men's lacrosse team opens up its 2012 campaign Friday against cross-town rival SUNYIT at the freindly confines of Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The Pioneers look to extend their winning streak against the Wildcats to five, as Utica won the first four contests between the local foes between the years of 2000-2003. UC has outscored SUNYIT by 72 goals (85-13) in four previous meetings, with the last win coming in May of 2003.
Opening Day: Utica is 5-7 all time on opening day and looks to stretch their season-opening win streak to two games, after beating Cazenovia last year by a score of 11-9.
Growing Up Fast: The young Pioneers managed just two wins last season but they are confident that their core of returning starters will lead them to a more successful 2012 campaign. Last season six of their 12 losses came by a deficit of four goals or less, and two of those losses came in overtime.
Graduates: UC graduated just six seniors last year and Head Coach
Mike Parnell, who has 32 wins in six full seasons, believes that the Pioneers have what it takes this Spring to weather the rigors of their highly competitive Empire 8 Conference schedule.
Krajacic Back For More: On the defensive side of things, senior captain and two-time Division III preseason All-American
Mick Krajacic (Clay, NY/Cicero North Syracuse) looks to pick up where he left off last year. The senior standout is coming off an excellent junior campaign, one in which he led the conference in turnovers forced with 62. On top of that, he has recorded at least one ground ball in 31 straight games, a streak that dates back to his freshman year.
High Expectations for Winkler: On offense the Pioneers will look to junior
Ben Winkler (Rodman, NY/IHC), who led the team in scoring last year with 27 points (20 goals, seven assists), to carry the brunt of the offensive load.
Offensive Depth: The Pioneers will also lean on the offensive output of junior Justin Edlestein and sophomores
Scott Baron (Flemington, NJ/Cushing Academy),
Joe Schoen (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and
TJ Benson (Central Square, NY/Paul V. Moore). Edlestein finished the year ranked second on the team with 10 goals and eight assists. The sophomore trio of Baron, Schoen and Benson combined for 23 goals and 21 assists last year. Baron recorded a team-best 11 assists, while Benson ranked second on the team behind Winkler with 11 goals.
Thomas to Make Instant Impact: Coach Parnell is also excited about the emergence of junior
Trent Thomas (Akwesasne, ONT/Massena). Thomas, a transfer from Herkimer County Community College, led the Generals last season with 33 goals. Parnell and the rest of the Pioneer coaching staff hopes that Thomas will transition quickly from the junior college game and post similar numbers this Spring.
Leadership in the Middle: In the midfield, Utica is led by senior captain
Oliver Barney (Vestal, NY/Vestal), who came on strong in his junior season. He scored a career-high eight goals, while grabbing 55 ground balls and he led the Pioneers in faceoff wins with 125. Joining Barney in the midfield on the faceoff "x" will be junior
Greg Geiss (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee). The 6'1” transfer from Onondaga Community College will see time in the midfield with Barney and he will play a key role as the backup faceoff man.
Between the Pipes: UC looks to its most experienced position to carry them in between the pipes this season. Senior classmates,
Joe Davis (Vestal, NY/Vestal) and
Wilson Mukrdechian (Watertown, NY/Watertown) will split time as the year goes progresses. Last season the two net minders recorded over 400 minutes in goal, while combining for 187 total saves.
Freshman Hopefuls: Coach Parnell hopes to get good minutes out of his young players as well. Freshman classmates,
Matt Werkmeister (Chaska, MN/Chaska), Zach Stevenson, and Sean Flannigan will all see playing time for the Pioneers. Werkmeister and Flannigan will provide depth for Utica on the defensive side of things, as Stevenson will be one of the top midfielders coming off the bench.
Next Time Out: The Pioneers will return to the field on Saturday, March 10th as they take on the visiting Cazenovia Wildcats. The contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.
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