Grow the Game®

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Share on whatsapp

Alphabetical 2014 NCAA D1 Preview: Saint Joseph’s

The NCAA D1 season is now underway! During the first couple of weeks of lacrosse season we’ll be finishing up the Alphabetical 2014 NCAA D1 Previews! Like last year, we are going through all of the D1 men’s teams for 2014 (there are 67 this year!) and we are now moving on to the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, located in Philadelphia, PA.

Saint Joseph’s put up a dismal 0-12 record in 2011, but took steps forward in 2012 and 2013 by going 6-9 and 5-11, respectively. Taylor Wray stepped into the Head Coach’s spot in 2012, and much of the turn around has been attributed to his arrival in Philly.

St. Joe’s has moved from the Colonial to the Northeast Conference, and this drastically changes their schedule. Last year SJU played one NEC team (beating Wagner). This year they play two Colonial teams in Drexel and Delaware. While St. Joe’s does face some solid programs, their schedule does look just a tad easier this year. Is this the year Saint Joseph’s makes moves and gets above .500?

If the Hawks are looking to build on last year’s success, the answer is probably yes. All ten starters return for the Hawks (and 23 players overall return). Pat Swanick and Matt Sarcona lead the way at attack, while midfielders Mike Dougherty and Johnny Simanski, do a lot of the work up top. The quarter scored 59 of Saint Joe’s 103 total goals from 2013. Dougherty is a shooter, and if he can find the cage more, he could have a huge year. Ryan McGee also returns and he should bolster the unit. If young guys like Michael Rastivo can find ways to get involved, Saint Joe’s could be in a very good spot.

Face offs weren’t a great spot last year, but they were far from disastrous. Expect a couple guys to get chances this year, and with plenty of returning experience, the Hawks should be just fine. Dustin Keen is back in goal as a Junior and should have another good year. The D around him all returns with a senior and two juniors in Jack Moran, Kevin Barrow, and Will Farrell. Loaded up and ready to go!

Saint Joseph’s returns a lot of talent this year, and the move to the new conference should provide any extra needed motivation. Wray has had SJU looking up the last year or two. 2014 is the real test for the Hawks.

On another note… this is the most up to date video featuring lacrosse on the Saint Joseph’s YouTube channel. It’s two years old.

For more NCAA D1 Lacrosse coverage, check out Alphabetical 2013 NCAA D1 Preview: Air ForceAlbanyArmyBellarmineBinghamtonBostonBrownBryantBucknellCanisius,
Colgate,  CornellDartmouthDelawareDetroitDrexelDukeFairfieldFurman,
GeorgetownHartfordHarvardHigh PointHobartHofstraHoly CrossJacksonvilleJohns_HopkinsLafayetteLehighLoyolaManhattanMaristMarquette,
MarylandMassachusettsMercerMichiganMonmouthNavyNorth Carolina,
Notre DameOhio StatePennPenn_StatePrincetonProvidenceQuinnipiacRichmondRobert MorrisRutgers, and Sacred Heart.