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Alphabetical 2014 NCAA D1 Preview: Siena

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 Siena Saints, located in Loudonville, NY.

After going 11-5 in 2012 and 8-9 in 2013, Coach John Svec and Siena opened up the 2014 season with a 19-7 loss to Syracuse earlier this week. Siena once again plays in the MAAC, and should be considered a potential contender to win their conference. Big games out of conference for Siena include Cuse, Hofstra, Albany, and St. John’s.

Conor Prunty was named the MAAC preseason player of the year, but he’s not the only guy on the Saints’ roster who can put the ball away. Richie Hurley had four goals against Syracuse and Colin Clive also returns to lead Siena on offense on attack. Hurely is a captain this year along with Mike Battaglia, Kyle Curry, and Ryan Mallon. Kieran Donohue and Kevin Cousin could give this finishing unit good depth this year and freshman Jordan Barlow will start right away.

https://youtu.be/1E6NKjanga4

9 of Siena’s top 10 scorers return for 2014, and this is a team that should be able to score goals within the MAAC. 7 goals on Cuse is a good indication that Siena will be just fine in this department, especially in conference play. Nate Barry and Kyle Curry return in the midfield along with Prunty, and that right there is a solid first group. Thomas Schoener and Mallon will add experience and depth, as well as a couple more guys who can score. Casey Dowd returns to take face offs for Siena, but freshman Tyler Pantalone could see time taking draws as well.

Adam Hall, Jake Kissick, Battaglia, and Brendan Meehan will lead the Siena D. Hall is a talented LSM and Meehan returns after an injury-plagued 2013 season. Kissick emerged as a key piece to the D last year. Pat Killeen was also injured for much of 2013 and he provides another excellent option down low. Max Bonsall should see a ton of time as he adjusts to the college game. He has good size and a football attitude. Tommy Cordts is Siena’s starter in goal after getting one start last year. He could be pushed for time by Kenny Carpenter. Overall, this is a deep group that should see improvement over the 2013 unit.

With a returning goalie, lots of returning scorers, and a deep and athletic defense, Siena is looking up from 2013. 2014 should see the Saints compete for a MAAC title, and maybe make a run into the NCAAs. Syracuse is looking tough this year, so don’t be shocked to see Siena climb back out of that early perceived hole.

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 MorrisRutgersSacred Heart, and Saint_Joseph’s.