The 2007 men's lacrosse season looks promising. Returning most of their starters, the Jeffs looked strong in all areas of the field in their scrimmages this past weekend. After closing last year's season with a disappointing 4-10 record (3-6 NESCAC), losing five of their matches by just one goal, the men approach this spring with determination, an attitude reflected in their diligent off-season training. "Falling one goal short five times has inspired us to work harder this off-season," said sophomore Matt Himler. "With the depth and talent we have this year there is no way we will be on the wrong end of the stick."

This year's team is led by senior tri-captains Derek Cherney, Chris Hoffman and Rob Madden. Having lost seven seniors, including First Team All-NESCAC selection Andrew Wilcox and devoted leaders Kevin Boova and Sean Murray, this year's captains look to provide the team with a renewed sense of direction. "While last year's season was extremely frustrating at times, I think that the experience that we gained will be extremely valuable this year," said Cherney. "Everyone realizes that last year was unacceptable and is determined to return to the top of the NESCAC this year."

The attack is led by three-time First Team All-NESCAC selection Cherney, who has 145 career points to his credit. Hoffman and sophomores Thomas Foote and Brett Miller will also contribute to the Amherst's offensive powerhouse. John Armideo '08 and Evan O'Roarke '10 will hope for playing time at long-stick midfield. First-years Tommy McDonnell and Jordan Gruskay will contend for minutes, while face-off specialist Matt Kellman '10 will divide his time between attack and midfield.

In the midfield, Madden and Will Ferrer '08 plan to add to last season's stellar performances. Ferrer, who netted 23 goals and seven assists last spring, is known for his exceptionally sharp and powerful offensive transitions. A number of sophomores and first-years will anchor the rest of the midfield, including Tim Thornton '09, Nick Gilligan '09, Matt Himler '09 and newcomers Vincent DiForte, Christian Desrosiers and Luke O'Brien.

Seniors David Beck and Owen Neill will lead the defense, supported by returnees Clint Marchese '09, Chris Fitzpatrick '09, and Brett Larson '08. First years Michael Greenberg '10, Franco Aguirre '10 and Nigel Carr '10 will round out the defense. Between the pipes, sophomore Matt Pietroforte will barricade the goalmouth. Goalie Andrew Harrison '10 will serve as Pietroforte's backup.

The addition of new defensive coach Chris Wickwire to the coaching staff will enable more in-depth scouting reports and game plans. "Coach Wickwire has brought an energy to the team that has affected everyone, including the offensive players," said Tim Thorton. "He has a vast knowledge of the game, and seems to have brought out the best in [Head] Coach [Tom] Carmean and [Assistant Coach Miltom] Gooding."

"Our team goal is nothing less than to win the NES-

CAC Championship, finally beat Middlebury [College] and Wesleyan [University] and break into the NCAAs," added Cherney. "We have added numerous extremely talented [first-years] who will make an immediate impact this year, to go along with a very talented and now more experienced sophomore class."

The season opens today against 18th-ranked Western New England College. The game is at UMass at 4:00. "We're extremely fired up and ready to go," said Cherney.

NESCAC Notes

After the first week of play, Bowdoin and Williams Colleges stand at 1-0, while Colby and Connecticut Colleges find themselves already a game down in the standings. Bowdoin's Matt Chadwick scored five of his team's nine goals in the Polar Bear's comeback victory over Conn. on Saturday.