Editor’s Note: Welcome to our NAIA lacrosse season-in-review series. Each day for the next month or so, we will be recapping last NAIA lacrosse season in advance for the 2020 season. Today, we are looking at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
2019 SCAD Season Review
Coaching at SCAD isn’t easy. Yes, you have one of the best campus locations in the country, but you have very specific majors that limit the wide variety of interests that potential athletes have, and you’re not really close to any other teams. Coach Cummings does an excellent job each year recruiting a specific type of player, and being an exceptionally creative scheduler. While the Bees had a 7-3 record against NAIA opponents, they also played MCLA and Division II teams throughout the south. They finished at No. 10 in the coaches polls and narrowly missed the national tournament.
Key Losses
None to speak of.
2020 SCAD Outlook
The 2019 Bees were loaded with freshmen and sophomores which should bode well for their 2020 season. The team returns starting goalie Ross Wiseman, who shouldered a majority of the minutes. But, with a 46-percent save percentage and an 11 GAA, he needs some more help from the defense. A major key to success will be returning face-off man JT Smith (53%) who keeps the Bees competitive in every matchup. Since the 2019 squad was young, they also return nearly the entire offense, which will be lead by Liam Thomas, Wolf Zachar, and Sean Parmer.
Way Too Early Prediction
The Bees have found a conference home, and will immediately contend with Reinhardt and Cumberlands for a conference title. After finishing last season tenth in the national polls, I think SCAD finishes this season in or near the top 5 nationally. It’ll be interesting if either the WHAC or AAC get three teams in the national tourney, but if the AAC does I’d be shocked if the Bees aren’t included in the national tournament.
Team Info: savannah.scadathletics.com
Team Twitter: @scad_beeslax
