University of Albany Men's Lacrosse A Favorite in America East Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – After reaching the America East Conference championship final for the seventh consecutive season last year, UAlbany has been picked to finish second in the conference preseason poll, as voted by the league’s head coaches on Monday, Feb. 9. Defending champion UMBC was chosen first with 24 points and four first-place votes. The Great Danes earned 22 points and two first-place votes.

UAlbany is ranked among the top-20 teams nationally in a pair of preseason lacrosse polls. Face-Off Yearbook and Inside Lacrosse has the program at No. 12, while Lacrosse Magazine has the Great Danes at No. 18 in the publication’s ranking.

The Great Danes, who have won four America East championships since 2003, return 28 letterwinners from last year’s 8-8 squad. UAlbany has three all-conference standouts in the fold. Brian Caufield, a first-team all-league performer as a freshman, totaled 27 goals and 21 assists. Corey Small, a tremendous finisher who had 34 goals and 11 assists, and Chris Schongar, a long-stick midfielder, were second-team all-conference selections. Mike Banks, a sophomore defenseman, has earned preseason All-America recognition.

Head coach Scott Marr, the 2007 national coach of the year, will continue to play an up-tempo style despite losing five players off last season’s team to the professional indoor and outdoor ranks. UAlbany begins its schedule at home against Denver on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Pioneers advanced to last year’s NCAA Tournament.

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2009 America East Conference Men’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll

1. UMBC (4), 24, 2. Albany (2), 22, 3. Stony Brook 16, 4. Binghamton 14, 5. Vermont 9, 6. Hartford 5.