Coming off a disappointing fourth place finish in 2001, expectations are again high for the Saint Joseph's University men's lacrosse team. With the graduation of only 6 seniors the Hawks are looking to regain the MAAC conference crown which they captured in 2000. "We have significant game experience returning," states head coach Paul Perdue. "We all look forward to a successful season." The Hawks return 23 letterwinners, including ten starters from the 2001 season. Returning to the Hawks are eight of the top ten scorers including Mike Pagliaro and Chris Spay. Key losses for the Hawks were MAAC All-Conference performers Rob McCracken and Randy McNeill along with defensiveman Brendan Dowd. Seniors Kevin Callaghan, Nick Leopard and Ed Walsh along with juniors Matt Durkin and Chris Spay will serve as the team's captains. They will be looked upon to provide the leadership and guidance for a Hawk squad that includes a record 11 freshmen. Kevin Callaghan MIDFIELD Callaghan is returning for his fourth season as a starter at midfield and will provide valuable leadership. The senior tallied 6 goals and 14 assists in 2001 and is the team's best short stick defender. Joining Callaghan on the midfield will be Ed Walsh, an outstanding dodger and defender who creates many match-up problems for opponents. Durkin will also provide solid scoring and defensive plays for the Hawks. A strong and physical player, he saw action in every game last year, scoring six goals and two assists. Senior Tony Broderick and junior Alex Heidenberger will pose as scoring threats on the field this season. Broderick scored six goals and notched one assist, while Heidenberger's fast shot will be a threat during man-up situations. Sophomore Ryan Madairy will see significant time on the first line this season after a standout preseason and a five goal, five assist swing on the field last season. Freshmen Andrew Four, a middie standout out of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Pa. will look to make a solid contribution on the field in 2002. DEFENSE Defense will be critical to the Hawks' success. SJU returns two starting defenders and a goalie. Senior Alan Reagan is a three year starter who will cover oppenents' top scoring threats. In 2001, Reagan grabbed 25 groundballs for the Hawks. Junior Derek Glitz had an excellent pre-season playing great body position defense and should pose as a threat to opponents. The third spot could include sophomore Jonathon Bobel, a transfer from Rutgers and junior Quinn Cullen. Juniors Sean Matthews and Kevin Ford will also contribute the the Hawks defense. GOALKEEPERS In the cage, the skilled play of Nick Leopard should prove to be a positive factor this year. The senior picked up his level of play at the end of his sophomore season, earning him MAAC All-Tournament team honors. In 2001, Leopard started in nine games and turned back 104 shots in 12 games. He posted a 10.69 goals against average during his junior season campaign. Freshman Dan Morrisey hopes to see quality minutes during the 2002 season. ATTACK The strength of the Hawks is their attack. "Our offense is explosive. This season we will look to return to our running form to exploit team speed and stick skills," explains Perdue. SJU finished 4th in the MAAC conference posting 150 goals and 94 assists. Spay, returns to attack this year after playing midfield in 2001. An explosive player and scorer, he has excellent dodging and shooting skills. Spay tallied 16 goals and six assists last year.A natural scorer, Pagliaro expects to build on last season's success. As a rookie, he was the team's third leading scorer, tallying 18 goals and 8 assists. Freshman newcomer Kevin McGrann, an exciting playmaker will add depth to the attack. A graduate of Bishop O'Connell High School in Washington, D.C., he had a stellar senior season, earning 1st team All-State honors. Senior Bart Smalley and sophomore Brian Mullan will also contribute. OVERALL OUTLOOK The Hawks do not expect anything less than an improvement on last season's disappointing performance. "This year's team features a balance of both scoring and tough, team-oriented defense," said Perdue. "Although the schedule in 2002 is the toughest in team history, the Hawks look to return to the MAAC playoffs and are in hot pursuit of the automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs in May." Perdue says that all in all 2002 looks a be a very promising season.