MEN'S LACROSSE

Men’s Lacrosse: Norwich Wraps Up Fall Ball With 7-2 Win Over Johnson State

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University men's lacrosse team concluded its fall season with a 7-2 victory over Johnson State College in front of a large crowd on the lower practice fields Saturday (Oct. 17) morning.

The Cadets controlled the tempo of the first half, generating many scoring opportunities, and ended the stanza with a 4-0 advantage. NU pulled away from the Badgers in the third quarter as the Cadets extended their lead to 6-1 through 45 minutes of play. Both teams scored in the final period, during which Norwich head coach Neal Anderson was able to empty his bench. Everyone on the fall roster got into the game.

Anderson was pleased with how the Cadets performed against Johnson State.

"The fall team did a good job preparing for this game," said Anderson. "Even with limited practice time, the team played well. I see a real passion in these guys. They want to be a good team and this fall has picked up where we left off last spring. I am also pleased with our recruits so far; they have a great work ethic and are quickly adapting to our coaching."

Seniors Justin Pearson (four goals) and Jesse Mattson (two goals, 3 assists) led the way for the Cadets. Freshman Joe Galante (one goal, one assist) played a good game as well. Junior Tyler Nicoll (one assist) controlled the offense, while freshman midfielders Judd Baggett (one assist) and Aaron Canarelli made significant contributions.

Returning senior Nick Talcott and junior Jason Moore anchored a Norwich stingy defense that stopped many Johnson State scoring chances. Sophomore Nathan Proctor, and freshmen Caleb Fournier and Travis Sandin did a standout job in goal for the Cadets as they allowed just two goals on 18 shots.

The fall scrimmage was the culmination of four weeks of practice. Anderson had over 30 student-athletes participate in the fall practices, and he anticipates a spring tryout roster of over 50 to fill the 40 roster spots. There are about 20 potential lacrosse players who are currently involved with other Norwich varsity sports in the fall, and were not able to participate in Fall Ball.

"Fall ball is always an interesting season," said Anderson. "We open it up to everyone, so there are students on our fall roster who have never played before. It is beneficial for both returning players who understand the Division III level of competition, as well as recruited freshman/transfers who are getting their first exposure to the Norwich coaches and our system. Even though practices are not mandatory due to the Academic and Corps schedules, the guys do a great job making time and getting to practice.

"We have a lot of new faces in the program and the returners have done a good job sharing their drive to be better," added Anderson. "Our players are now working with strength/conditioning coach Jeff Kruger to help build strength and agility.  I believe our spring tryouts will have a very high level of talent and expectation. I am proud of the effort and support everyone associated with our program has shown us over the past year."

Norwich lacrosse spring tryouts are scheduled for February 1-5, 2010. Please contact NU head coach Neal Anderson if you are interested in playing this spring.