NESCAC

[CradleKing]

Rain & Vent were fantastic. But returning 15 of your top 17 contributors does not make you say ‘rebuild’. Would love to hear any insights of why Conn will take a step back besides your ‘feeling’.

Dadof3 if I may- They return scoring but leadership issues emerge after the graduating of alpha's Rain & Vent. There is no doubt the fellas in Conn could face off the field issues with dining service unionization emerging on campus (see article from the collegevoice below).

Not to mention, Colby's Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center has been huge in ensuring physical development of student-athletes. It will only be harder for low athletic budget schools like Conn to compete with other powerhouses like the Mules.



article: https://thecollegevoice.org/2023/12/14/ ... onization/

[Dadof3]

‘Off the field issues like dining services’.

[SaltCounty]

I think that Bates will be a sleeper team this year. Annino now has a couple years at the helm and has brought in some young guys. More about whether those guys will contribute or not. For tufts, has to be tough losing an all time player and best fogo in the country last year so they will definitely take a step back. Nonetheless, Colby will still score 20 on them and that game won’t even be close. Going to be an interesting year in the Nescac for sure!

It's his 2nd year at Bates...
None-the-less, he is & will continue to do a good job.
Although, could see him heading back to D1 down the road.

[Laxguy456]

‘Off the field issues like dining services’.

HighBouncersGo and CradleKing,

Must agree with Dadof3, do not see this as a rebuilding season for the Camels and do not expect a material change in Colby’s standing in the NESCAC. My research shows (not working off the 2024 rosters as there are others on this thread that have indicated that the NESCAC could have a few teams with “Super-Seniors”):

Colby
• The Mules made a big move in the off-season hiring Jake Bernhardt in the late summer so not looking to see in roster impact this year. The Mules graduate 16 seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jack Goller, Henry Popko, Nick Hassan (42% of goals and 24% of dimes)
o D - Davis Strabley (10% of CT and 6% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Bennett Goller, Max Solmssen (19% of goals and 22% of dimes)
o D - Jackson Alvord,Hayden Critchell (19% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
o FO – Justin Turley (winning 54% of the 394 draws taken)

Unless all three of Bernhardt brothers suit up for the Mules, they will be competing with Bates for last place in the NESCAC. Colby’s new Athletics center could serve to be a recruiting boost and so will having Bernhardt at the helm (hired Nov 17th), but I do not see them being a factor this year.

As for Conn:
• The Camels are set to have a good 2024 campaign, they return a very solid defence back stopped by Will Rice (they allowed the fewest goals in the NESCAC in 2023). They graduate five seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jared Rainville (20% of goals and 27% of dimes)
o D - Jack Venturelli (12% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Aidan McAvoy, Liam Horkan, Jack Tenzer, (33% of goals and 21% of dimes)
o D - Nick McLaughlin, Henry Cabot, Myles Newport (32% of CT and 23% of the teams GBs)
o FO - Aidan Gaudet (winning 48% of the 175 draws taken)
• Coach Nagle brought in a new Offensive coordinator this year and if the Camels are to have a breakout year, they will need to get the ball in the back of the cage

Two material losses in Rainville and Venturelli (although Venturelli’s numbers were down in 23 compared to 22 (22- 59 GBs vs 23- 40 GBs, 22- 29 CT vs 23-15 CT)

You may have inside information with regards to the “Leadership issues” but I am not aware of any issues.

Their defence was solid in 2023 and based on the roster from last year they return all but one starter - filled with mostly Juniors and Seniors.

On the offensive side of the ball, Rainville was 20 percent of the offence, but he took the most shots, and his shooting percentage was one of the lower on the team for the 2023 season. Look to see more shots from Tenzer (.35 shooting percentage) and Horkan (.431 shooting percentage). Also, Nagle has brought in a new Offensive coordinator will have to wait to see what impact Grippe has but: “at St. Leo, as the Lions produced the highest and second-highest scoring seasons in school history during his tenure”

[RE6ULATOR]

You guys all seem pretty in touch with the bottom 1/3 NESCAC. Here’s a long debated question. If you got to take any 3 players from NJIT, and add them to your respective teams, who would you take and how far do you think they could make in a Conference playoff run?

[CradleKing]

‘Off the field issues like dining services’.

HighBouncersGo and CradleKing,

Must agree with Dadof3, do not see this as a rebuilding season for the Camels and do not expect a material change in Colby’s standing in the NESCAC. My research shows (not working off the 2024 rosters as there are others on this thread that have indicated that the NESCAC could have a few teams with “Super-Seniors”):

Colby
• The Mules made a big move in the off-season hiring Jake Bernhardt in the late summer so not looking to see in roster impact this year. The Mules graduate 16 seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jack Goller, Henry Popko, Nick Hassan (42% of goals and 24% of dimes)
o D - Davis Strabley (10% of CT and 6% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Bennett Goller, Max Solmssen (19% of goals and 22% of dimes)
o D - Jackson Alvord,Hayden Critchell (19% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
o FO – Justin Turley (winning 54% of the 394 draws taken)

Unless all three of Bernhardt brothers suit up for the Mules, they will be competing with Bates for last place in the NESCAC. Colby’s new Athletics center could serve to be a recruiting boost and so will having Bernhardt at the helm (hired Nov 17th), but I do not see them being a factor this year.

As for Conn:
• The Camels are set to have a good 2024 campaign, they return a very solid defence back stopped by Will Rice (they allowed the fewest goals in the NESCAC in 2023). They graduate five seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jared Rainville (20% of goals and 27% of dimes)
o D - Jack Venturelli (12% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Aidan McAvoy, Liam Horkan, Jack Tenzer, (33% of goals and 21% of dimes)
o D - Nick McLaughlin, Henry Cabot, Myles Newport (32% of CT and 23% of the teams GBs)
o FO - Aidan Gaudet (winning 48% of the 175 draws taken)
• Coach Nagle brought in a new Offensive coordinator this year and if the Camels are to have a breakout year, they will need to get the ball in the back of the cage

Two material losses in Rainville and Venturelli (although Venturelli’s numbers were down in 23 compared to 22 (22- 59 GBs vs 23- 40 GBs, 22- 29 CT vs 23-15 CT)

You may have inside information with regards to the “Leadership issues” but I am not aware of any issues.

Their defence was solid in 2023 and based on the roster from last year they return all but one starter - filled with mostly Juniors and Seniors.

On the offensive side of the ball, Rainville was 20 percent of the offence, but he took the most shots, and his shooting percentage was one of the lower on the team for the 2023 season. Look to see more shots from Tenzer (.35 shooting percentage) and Horkan (.431 shooting percentage). Also, Nagle has brought in a new Offensive coordinator will have to wait to see what impact Grippe has but: “at St. Leo, as the Lions produced the highest and second-highest scoring seasons in school history during his tenure”

LaxGuy456-

Grippe led a fierce offense in the sunshine conference, but will this success translate immediately to the cold winters of New London?

Recruiting heavily within Florida and cashing in on D1 transfers helped Grippe and Saint Leo thrive in D2. Will this strategy transfer to the ‘Cac? Not sure he will see the same recruiting success for the Camels, but eager to see what he does with player development. Great hire for Conn interested to see how they do in 2024.

[HighBouncersGo]

‘Off the field issues like dining services’.

HighBouncersGo and CradleKing,

Must agree with Dadof3, do not see this as a rebuilding season for the Camels and do not expect a material change in Colby’s standing in the NESCAC. My research shows (not working off the 2024 rosters as there are others on this thread that have indicated that the NESCAC could have a few teams with “Super-Seniors”):

Colby
• The Mules made a big move in the off-season hiring Jake Bernhardt in the late summer so not looking to see in roster impact this year. The Mules graduate 16 seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jack Goller, Henry Popko, Nick Hassan (42% of goals and 24% of dimes)
o D - Davis Strabley (10% of CT and 6% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Bennett Goller, Max Solmssen (19% of goals and 22% of dimes)
o D - Jackson Alvord,Hayden Critchell (19% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
o FO – Justin Turley (winning 54% of the 394 draws taken)

Unless all three of Bernhardt brothers suit up for the Mules, they will be competing with Bates for last place in the NESCAC. Colby’s new Athletics center could serve to be a recruiting boost and so will having Bernhardt at the helm (hired Nov 17th), but I do not see them being a factor this year.

As for Conn:
• The Camels are set to have a good 2024 campaign, they return a very solid defence back stopped by Will Rice (they allowed the fewest goals in the NESCAC in 2023). They graduate five seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jared Rainville (20% of goals and 27% of dimes)
o D - Jack Venturelli (12% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Aidan McAvoy, Liam Horkan, Jack Tenzer, (33% of goals and 21% of dimes)
o D - Nick McLaughlin, Henry Cabot, Myles Newport (32% of CT and 23% of the teams GBs)
o FO - Aidan Gaudet (winning 48% of the 175 draws taken)
• Coach Nagle brought in a new Offensive coordinator this year and if the Camels are to have a breakout year, they will need to get the ball in the back of the cage

Two material losses in Rainville and Venturelli (although Venturelli’s numbers were down in 23 compared to 22 (22- 59 GBs vs 23- 40 GBs, 22- 29 CT vs 23-15 CT)

You may have inside information with regards to the “Leadership issues” but I am not aware of any issues.

Their defence was solid in 2023 and based on the roster from last year they return all but one starter - filled with mostly Juniors and Seniors.

On the offensive side of the ball, Rainville was 20 percent of the offence, but he took the most shots, and his shooting percentage was one of the lower on the team for the 2023 season. Look to see more shots from Tenzer (.35 shooting percentage) and Horkan (.431 shooting percentage). Also, Nagle has brought in a new Offensive coordinator will have to wait to see what impact Grippe has but: “at St. Leo, as the Lions produced the highest and second-highest scoring seasons in school history during his tenure”

LaxGuy456-

Grippe led a fierce offense in the sunshine conference, but will this success translate immediately to the cold winters of New London?

Recruiting heavily within Florida and cashing in on D1 transfers helped Grippe and Saint Leo thrive in D2. Will this strategy transfer to the ‘Cac? Not sure he will see the same recruiting success for the Camels, but eager to see what he does with player development. Great hire for Conn interested to see how they do in 2024.

Although I still stand strong on my Conn College '24 short, I will say they do have a strong D mid, horse, rope, etc. squad. Guys like Myles Newport and other defensive midfielders will be crucial to stop strong midfield units of Midd, Tufts, Wesleyan, Hamilton, etc.. Conn will need to lean on these guys for CTs, transition goals, and hunkering down their defensive side. Thats the way they can win games in '24.

[SaltCounty]

‘Off the field issues like dining services’.

HighBouncersGo and CradleKing,

Must agree with Dadof3, do not see this as a rebuilding season for the Camels and do not expect a material change in Colby’s standing in the NESCAC. My research shows (not working off the 2024 rosters as there are others on this thread that have indicated that the NESCAC could have a few teams with “Super-Seniors”):

Colby
• The Mules made a big move in the off-season hiring Jake Bernhardt in the late summer so not looking to see in roster impact this year. The Mules graduate 16 seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jack Goller, Henry Popko, Nick Hassan (42% of goals and 24% of dimes)
o D - Davis Strabley (10% of CT and 6% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Bennett Goller, Max Solmssen (19% of goals and 22% of dimes)
o D - Jackson Alvord,Hayden Critchell (19% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
o FO – Justin Turley (winning 54% of the 394 draws taken)

Unless all three of Bernhardt brothers suit up for the Mules, they will be competing with Bates for last place in the NESCAC. Colby’s new Athletics center could serve to be a recruiting boost and so will having Bernhardt at the helm (hired Nov 17th), but I do not see them being a factor this year.

As for Conn:
• The Camels are set to have a good 2024 campaign, they return a very solid defence back stopped by Will Rice (they allowed the fewest goals in the NESCAC in 2023). They graduate five seniors.
• Notable losses:
o O – Jared Rainville (20% of goals and 27% of dimes)
o D - Jack Venturelli (12% of CT and 10% of the teams GBs)
• Notable returners:
o O - Aidan McAvoy, Liam Horkan, Jack Tenzer, (33% of goals and 21% of dimes)
o D - Nick McLaughlin, Henry Cabot, Myles Newport (32% of CT and 23% of the teams GBs)
o FO - Aidan Gaudet (winning 48% of the 175 draws taken)
• Coach Nagle brought in a new Offensive coordinator this year and if the Camels are to have a breakout year, they will need to get the ball in the back of the cage

Two material losses in Rainville and Venturelli (although Venturelli’s numbers were down in 23 compared to 22 (22- 59 GBs vs 23- 40 GBs, 22- 29 CT vs 23-15 CT)

You may have inside information with regards to the “Leadership issues” but I am not aware of any issues.

Their defence was solid in 2023 and based on the roster from last year they return all but one starter - filled with mostly Juniors and Seniors.

On the offensive side of the ball, Rainville was 20 percent of the offence, but he took the most shots, and his shooting percentage was one of the lower on the team for the 2023 season. Look to see more shots from Tenzer (.35 shooting percentage) and Horkan (.431 shooting percentage). Also, Nagle has brought in a new Offensive coordinator will have to wait to see what impact Grippe has but: “at St. Leo, as the Lions produced the highest and second-highest scoring seasons in school history during his tenure”

LaxGuy456-

Grippe led a fierce offense in the sunshine conference, but will this success translate immediately to the cold winters of New London?

Recruiting heavily within Florida and cashing in on D1 transfers helped Grippe and Saint Leo thrive in D2. Will this strategy transfer to the ‘Cac? Not sure he will see the same recruiting success for the Camels, but eager to see what he does with player development. Great hire for Conn interested to see how they do in 2024.

Although I still stand strong on my Conn College '24 short, I will say they do have a strong D mid, horse, rope, etc. squad. Guys like Myles Newport and other defensive midfielders will be crucial to stop strong midfield units of Midd, Tufts, Wesleyan, Hamilton, etc.. Conn will need to lean on these guys for CTs, transition goals, and hunkering down their defensive side. Thats the way they can win games in '24.

The initial post reads like Conn is falling from grace.
They finished 8th last year - I don't see them falling further / but not ready to say they're going to climb.
Hamilton lost a lot more than them - they are more likely to drop off in a big way.
Colby & Bates are still searching for a path back.
Great for them if they take off - but falling in the 8/9 range to start the year is appropriate.

[Dadof3]

Very informed write up Laxguy456. Going to be a battle to be in that final 8. And I think the top spot is more in play than in years past Bowdoin should push Tufts for #1. I think Wesleyan and Hamilton fight for the 8th. Every week should see some mayhem

[callaxdad]

Pretty cold take Highbouncer. Tufts not dropping 25 early. They lost their 71% fogo. They’re whole attack. Yes they reload but they’re not dropping 25 w/out an elite fogo. Camels lost 4 seniors. Basically 2 starters. They’ll be dangerous. They can score. Fighting with Bates for last? More like fighting for the 4-6 slot. Bernhardt will make a difference….in like 2-3 years when he can recruit. He’s got the same roster. Again…pretty rough take by you

Do3, the Bos did lose Kohn but, they return Merrill and Salcedo who are darn near as good as Mason. I wouldn't be surprised if they went close to that same number this year. And dropping 25 is a stretch any game, especially with losing entire attack, which they will need to reload but, Bos should be the NESCAC favorites until proven otherwise. And love Bernhardt hire!!

[choochooCharlie]

You guys all seem pretty in touch with the bottom 1/3 NESCAC. Here’s a long debated question. If you got to take any 3 players from NJIT, and add them to your respective teams, who would you take and how far do you think they could make in a Conference playoff run?

We’re really doing this again?

[Laxguy456]

Pretty cold take Highbouncer. Tufts not dropping 25 early. They lost their 71% fogo. They’re whole attack. Yes they reload but they’re not dropping 25 w/out an elite fogo. Camels lost 4 seniors. Basically 2 starters. They’ll be dangerous. They can score. Fighting with Bates for last? More like fighting for the 4-6 slot. Bernhardt will make a difference….in like 2-3 years when he can recruit. He’s got the same roster. Again…pretty rough take by you

Do3, the Bos did lose Kohn but, they return Merrill and Salcedo who are darn near as good as Mason. I wouldn't be surprised if they went close to that same number this year. And dropping 25 is a stretch any game, especially with losing entire attack, which they will need to reload but, Bos should be the NESCAC favorites until proven otherwise. And love Bernhardt hire!!

Inside lacrosse put out their D3 pre-season top 20 today with the caveat:

“By virtue of the 2021 blanket waiver, the task of tracking graduating players, transfers, and returning grad students adds an extra layer that creates a genuine need for early season expectations.”

https://www.insidelacrosse.com/league/DIII/polls

Dan Kaplan and team have four NESCAC teams in the top 20:

2nd - Tufts
6th – Bowdoin
8th – Middlebury
13th – Amherst

I will continue to wait for the roster to re-do my rankings.

[smoova]

https://www.insidelacrosse.com/league/DIII/polls

Dan Kaplan and team have four NESCAC teams in the top 20:

2nd - Tufts
6th – Bowdoin
8th – Middlebury
13th – Amherst

I will continue to wait for the roster to re-do my rankings.

No beef with Tufts, Midd or Amherst, but surprised to see Bowdoin at 6 ... which is ~12 spots higher than they finished 2023 (bounced from the first round of the NESCAC tournament by Amherst) and they are rolling out an offensive coordinator who has never coached a day of college lacrosse.

[SaltCounty]

https://www.insidelacrosse.com/league/DIII/polls

Dan Kaplan and team have four NESCAC teams in the top 20:

2nd - Tufts
6th – Bowdoin
8th – Middlebury
13th – Amherst

I will continue to wait for the roster to re-do my rankings.

No beef with Tufts, Midd or Amherst, but surprised to see Bowdoin at 6 ... which is ~12 spots higher than they finished 2023 (bounced from the first round of the NESCAC tournament by Amherst) and they are rolling out an offensive coordinator who has never coached a day of college lacrosse.

Feel the same - shouldn't have them ahead of Midd
They are top 15 - there is room to have them ahead of Amherst due to graduation.

[NNELax]

Bowdoin returns a loaded roster....I think they end up right in the mix with Tufts...

[LaxManiac12345]

Ranking 4 Nescac teams in the top 15 gotta be pretty aggressive. Salisbury exposed Tufts last year showing the fraudulent Nescac style of play. All offense and zero defense. Would have for those New England boys to have to travel down south and play some real defenses. Don't think we will see any nescac team hoisting hardware come Memorial Day weekend

[BigMoose9]

Bowdoin returns a loaded roster....I think they end up right in the mix with Tufts...

I understand Bowdoin returns a lot from their roster last year, but they were a 5 loss team whose best win was against a mediocre Wesleyan team. They have the pieces but will have to see some better wins before I can say they end up in the mix with tufts.

[Unknown Participant]

Ranking 4 Nescac teams in the top 15 gotta be pretty aggressive. Salisbury exposed Tufts last year showing the fraudulent Nescac style of play. All offense and zero defense. Would have for those New England boys to have to travel down south and play some real defenses. Don't think we will see any nescac team hoisting hardware come Memorial Day weekend

Tufts beat Salisbury the year before, fyi.

Is this english?: "Would have for those New England boys to have to travel down south ..."

[jumpman23]

Bowdoin returns a loaded roster....I think they end up right in the mix with Tufts...

I understand Bowdoin returns a lot from their roster last year, but they were a 5 loss team whose best win was against a mediocre Wesleyan team. They have the pieces but will have to see some better wins before I can say they end up in the mix with tufts.

We won’t know til we know how readily Tufts is able to re-load. Certainly didn’t have a drop off after Bredahl. Bowdoin will go as far as their defense allows. And that could easily be a NCAA final 4, with their elite offense and fogo. Ex-losses to Tufts, Midd was flawless last year (exact same as Bowdoin in 2022 btw) and while capable of doing so, it is super hard to repeat that level again. The surprise team will definitely be Trinity. Nescac semis for sure and might even sneak into finals with an upset. No feel for Amherst but feels like they will disappoint this year after a pretty sweet run last season.

[RE6ULATOR]

…Bowdoin will go as far as their defense allows. And that could easily be a NCAA final 4…

Easily?