Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/3/17
From Press Release
The Lehigh men’s lacrosse team was picked to finish sixth in the Patriot League preseason poll, as preseason team and individual recognition was announced on Thursday. The Mountain Hawks finished last season in fifth place, earning their sixth straight Patriot League Tournament berth.
Lehigh lost a strong senior class, highlighted by its three senior captains Reid Weber, Tripp Telesco and Casey Eidenshink, but the Mountain Hawks do return plenty of talent, led by sophomore long-stick midfielder Craig Chick and sophomore attackman Tristan Rai. Lehigh finished last season 4-4 in league play, beating Holy Cross, Colgate, Lafayette and Boston University. An exciting 8-7 win in Boston essentially clinched the team’s postseason spot.
Loyola was predicted to win the league, garnering 128 points and 16 first-place votes. Navy was picked second (112 points, two first-place votes) followed by Army West Point (96 points), Bucknell (91) and Boston University (63). Behind Lehigh was Colgate (46), Holy Cross (35) and Lafayette (16). Head coaches and Sports Information Directors voted on the preseason poll.
In addition, Loyola’s Pat Spencer and Navy’s Chris Fennell were named preseason Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, to highlight the preseason All-Patriot League team.
The Mountain Hawks will open their 2017 season on Saturday when they host NJIT at 12 p.m. Fans can watch the game live, online through the Patriot League Network.
2017 Patriot League Men’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Maryland, 128 points (16 first-place votes)
2. Navy, 112 (2)
3. Army, 96
4. Bucknell, 91
5. Boston University, 63
6. Lehigh, 61
7. Colgate, 46
8. Holy Cross, 35
9. Lafayette, 16
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland, (So., A)
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Fennell, Navy (Sr., D)
2017 Men’s Lacrosse Preseason All-League Team
Attack: Cole Johnson, Army (Sr.)
Attack: Will Sands, Bucknell (Jr.)
Attack: Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland (So.)
Midfield: Cal Dearth, Boston University (Sr.)
Midfield: Brian Sherlock, Loyola Maryland (Sr.)
Midfield: Greyson Torain, Navy (So.)
Defense: Matt Gilray, Bucknell (Jr.)
Defense: Foster Huggins, Loyola (Jr.)
Defense: Chris Fennell, Navy (Sr.)
Faceoff Specialist: Sam Talkow, Boston University (Sr.)
Defensive Midfield Specialist: Matt Rees, Navy (Sr.)
Goalkeeper: Christian Klipstein, Bucknell (So.)