And It's Over

The 2008-2009 UNE Athletics year is officially over. With both the Men's and Women's Lacrosse team losing in the TCCC Tournament, we will have to wait until the fall to get the ball rolling again. The laxers each faced tough opponents, and unfortunately could not come out on top.
The Women traveled to Roger Williams University to faced the second seeded Seahawks. RWU was on a nine game winning streak heading into the game, and they extended it yesterday with a 21-8 victory to advance in the tournament. After a close first half, UNE trailed 10-6, the Seahawks picked up the pace in the second outscoring the Nor'easters 11-2. Roger Williams peppered the net all game, launching 40 shots, and limited UNE to just 23. Amanda Barker and Kate McCarter led the UNE offense, each scoring two goals. Also, junior Mallory Long had a goal and an assist for the blue and white. This was a tough season for the Nor'easters, but they will have a lot of experience coming back as they are only graduation two seniors, Amanda Barker and Erica Johnson.
The Men traveled to Springfield, MA last night to play a game under the lights versus Western New England College. The Golden Bears, the twelfth ranked team in the country, dominated this came from the opening face-off. WNEC scored the first eleven goals of the contest, including ten in the first quarter. UNE finally got on the board as Luke DiFiore found the back of the net with ten minutes left in the first half. However, UNE could not get any momentum and the Golden Bears sailed to a 17-5 victory to advance in the TCCC Tournament. DiFiore had two goals, while Mike Woods had a goal and as assist to lead the Nor'easters offense.
This was the most successful Men's Lacrosse team in UNE history finishing with a 6-10 record. The team has a solid core coming back including five of the top six scorers. Unfortunately, Dan Leyden, who has been one of the greatest UNE lacrosse players in program history, will be lost to graduation. His shoes will be hard to fill, but this year's talented freshman class along with the recruits for next season, be sure to expect that the Nor'easters will build on this season. Other seniors that will be graduating from this years squad include Mike Nawrocki, Andy Briggs, Bobby Labbe, Eric Santos, Paris Mansmann, Dan Leyden, and Evan Xanthos. Good luck boys.