Re: NESCAC
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2024 5:24 pm
One key data point you are missing regarding Bowdoin is the expected reurn of Pat Fizgerald to the Bowdoin line-up: Attacker Fitzgerald was injured early in his junior season in 2024 (in the 6th game) & missed the rest of the season. He was a huge part of the offense in 2023 as a sophomore, scoring more goals than any other mamber of the team (58) and ranking second on the team in total points. He was also selected to the all-NESCAC second team. His return to the line-up in 2025 should make up for some of the big graduation losses on the scoring front.Laxguy456 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 30, 2024 1:26 pm......
Pre-Season Rankings
1. Tufts
2. Amherst
3. Middlebury
4. Hamilton
5. Wesleyan
6. Connecticut College
7. Bowdoin
8. Williams
9. Trinity
10. Colby
11. Bates
.....
Supporting Information:
. . . .
7. Bowdoin had a strong 2024 lacrosse season, finishing with an 8-2 conference record and a 2-2 non-conference mark. However, the Polar Bears ranked 8th in strength of schedule in the NESCAC, they faced four top-20 teams, including #20 Babson as their top non-conference opponent. However, the Polar Bears are heading into the 2025 season facing significant roster losses, with 18 seniors graduating, including two All-NESCAC First Team and USILA First Team All-Americans (Will Byrne and Zack Goorno) and All-NESCAC First Team, Second Team All-American faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard.
Key losses for Bowdoin are substantial, especially on offense and defense:
• Offensively, Will Byrne, Oliver Bernstein (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), and Matt Ward are departing, taking with them 36% of the team’s goals and 56% of its assists.
• Defensively, the team will miss Zack Goorno, Harp Lane, and Nate Ryan (All-NESCAC Second Team), who were responsible for 37% of caused turnovers and 21% of the team’s ground balls.
• Faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard, who won an impressive 61% of his draws, is another major loss that will affect possession.
Despite these departures, Bowdoin has some key returners for the 2025 season:
• Offensively, Jason Lach (All-NESCAC First Team), Casey Ryan, and Sam Raye-Steiner will need to step up, as they accounted for 42% of the team’s goals and 25% of the assists in 2024.
• Defensively, Jed Hoggard (All-NESCAC First Team) and Jack Pyne will be relied upon to anchor the defense, having contributed 20% of caused turnovers and 10% of ground balls. Also returning All-NESCAC Second Team goalie Robert Hobbs.
Coach Mason faces a significant challenge in replacing the production of so many key players, particularly on offense and at the faceoff X. However, with a strong returning core, Bowdoin is expected to remain competitive and should still make the NESCAC tournament. The development of the returning players and how effectively they can fill the gaps left by the All-star seniors will be crucial to their success in 2025.