The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team is in an enviable situation. They boast experience from five seniors that played on the 2000 undefeated MAAC Championship squad as well as a bumper crop of 15 freshmen that will challenge for starting positions. Head Coach Paul Perdue is back for his fifth season (11th with the program) and looks for SJU to return to the MAAC Championship form of 2000. "The carrot is the NCAA automatic bid," he said. "Our goal is to make the MAAC playoffs and go from there." Eight of the top ten scorers return from a year ago, led by seniors Alex Heidenberger and Chris Spay. The duo tied for the team lead in points last spring with 34 apiece and were key members on that 2000 squad. Spay, named second team All-MAAC in 2002, ranks ninth all-time on Hawk Hill in career goals (62) and scored 25 last season at the attack position. He has since moved to midfield to take advantage of his hustle and great defensive ability. Heidenberger, a co-captain, led the team with 29 goals and according to Perdue, "is an experienced player who can score from anywhere." He joins sophomore Kevin McGrann at attack, the team's Rookie of the Year after scoring 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in his freshman campaign. "Kevin is one of the quickest attackers in the country and a great playmaker," Perdue said. Freshman Tommie Williams is the first southpaw at the attack slot since 1997 and can finish as well as distribute the ball. Junior Brian Mullan and two freshmen, Keegan Wilkinson and Brian Ponne, will add depth at the position. Spay and fellow senior Matt Durkin (30 groundballs) anchor the midfield. Both are four-year starters and true all-around players. Sophomore Andrew Four muscled up in the weight room to prepare for the season and along with junior Mike Pagliaro, should see time on the first two midfield lines. Juniors Matt Mueller, Marc Lipscomb and Ryan Madairy (will return from knee injury in March) and freshmen Alex McColough, Chris Ortel, Brian Borden and Brian Benko will also contribute this season. Perdue also boasts a strong face-off corps in Borden and sophomore Mike Elger. "This is a fast, tough group of midfielders," Perdue said. Defensively, Saint Joseph's is young but features an all-MAAC candidate in Marc Reynolds. "He is one of the best in the conference and has worked hard to adjust to close defense," Perdue said. Senior captain Sean Matthews will anchor the unit and is a "consistent, solid defender who brings leadership and intensity to the position." Sophomore Mike Berhmann and senior Kevin Ford are big solid defensemen that will see time. Freshman Mike Kirlin had a solid fall and will also compete for playing time in '03. Sophomore Ryan Chitwood and freshmen BJ Fritts and Kyle Manchin are also in the mix for the spring. Perdue is excited about his new freshman goalie, Travis McDonnell, who was named Maryland Goalie of the Year in 2002. "He is a quickball stopper who is equally adept at clearing the ball," Perdue said. Sophomore Dan Morrissey, a walk-on that played well last spring, will provide depth in the cage. Overall, the Hawks are blessed with great team speed and scoring ability and are hungry to improve on their fourth place MAAC finish in '02. "Getting to the playoffs and losing is not enough," Perdue said. "We'd like to earn a spot in the NCAAs and play the best in the country." If the team can blend their experience with the youthful exuberance of the 15 rookies, it could be a spring to remember on Hawk Hill.