Men's Lacrosse: Lasers set sights on GNAC championship game at Norwich Saturday

Photo by Mike Broglio

Posted: May 06, 2022

NEWTON, Mass. - The Lasell University men's lacrosse team is thrilled to be competing in its sixth GNAC championship game in program history Saturday at 1:30 p.m., as the second-seeded Lasers will face off against top-seeded Norwich in Northfield, Vermont, with an NCAA Division III Tournament berth on the line.

"We are hungry to win the next game ahead of us and that has been our mindset all year," said Lasell University Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Dieter Treusdell. "We are looking forward to playing our best lacrosse on Saturday."

The Lasers (12-6, 9-1 GNAC) defeated seventh-seeded Saint Joseph (Conn.), 13-6, in the quarterfinals of the GNAC Tournament Saturday, and then outlasted third-seeded Rivier, 8-4, Wednesday in the semifinals, with both games being played in front of roaring crowds at Grellier Field.

Lasell is competing in its sixth GNAC championship game in program history. This is the fifth time in the last six years that the Lasers have reached the title game, excluding the COVID-19-shortened 2020 spring season. The 2017 and 2021 teams hoisted the conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Lasers and Cadets have squared off in the past two GNAC championship games, with with each team winning once.

"Every time we play Norwich it has been a great game and this time is going to be something special, especially after coming up short against the Cadets in the regular season," said senior goalie Alex Beauchemin. "We are ready to prove to everyone that this is our conference and we are really excited to show that on Saturday."

The Cadets (17-1, 10-0 GNAC) defeated eighth-seeded Saint Joseph's College of Maine, 14-12, during the quarterfinals, and then cruised to a 23-7 victory over fifth-seeded Johnson & Wales. Norwich defeated Lasell in the lone meeting between the two programs during the 2022 regular season, 12-5, on April 27 at Grellier Field.

"It feels good to be back fighting for another championship," said senior midfielder David Burke. "We have had a great couple practices leading up to this, everyone is continuing to find that next gear every day. We trust each other and are ready to go."

Lasers Winning with Balanced Attack:

Lasell has worn down opponents all season with an unselfish mindest. The offense has been led by James Anderson (40 goals, 14 assists), Ryan Stone (28 goals, 14 assists), Jordan Hines (26 goals, 10 assists), Landon Reyes (26 goals, 9 assists), Burke (23 goals, 10 assists), Bash Cunningham (20 goals, 13 assists), Anthony DeRosa (12 goals, 13 assists) and Nate Taggart (10 goals, 10 assists). Steven Phelps won 181 faceoffs, ranking fourth in the GNAC.

Peaking at the Right Time:

The Lasers are playing their best lacrosse down the stretch, as they have emerged victorious in 12 of their last 13 games. During that stretch, Lasell has outscored its opponents by a margin of 142-68.

Lockdown Defense:

During their 12 wins, the Lasers have not allowed more than eight goals and have held their opponents to four or less goals seven times. On Wednesday in the semifinals, Lasell kept Rivier off the scoreboard for the entire first, third and fourth quarters.

Strength in the Back:

Beauchemin has gone 12-5 in net this season for Lasell, posting a .714 save percentage or better in six games. He was outstanding in the semifinals matchup against Rivier, turning aside 15-of-19 shots for a .789 save percentage. Beauchemin has totaled double-digit saves in 13 games during the 2022 season. Beauchemin ranks first in the GNAC in goals-against average (7.30) and second in save percentage (.612).

Being Recognized:

Beauchemin has earned two GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week awards this season, while Stone has been named Rookie of the Week twice. During the first-round victory over Saint Joseph (Conn.), Anderson scored his 100th career goal.

Scouting Norwich:

The Cadets have an explosive offense, scoring 21 or more goals on four occasions this season. Leading the way for Norwich are Parker Campbell (34 goals, 63 assists), Payden Masaracchia (56 goals, 11 assists) and Callum Jones (38 goals, 27 assists). Campbell leads the conference in points and assists, while Masaracchia is tied for first in goals.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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