While the men's lacrosse team may have to replace the goal production of All-Americans Devin Clarke and Bryan Griffin on offense, the Jumbos' defense will be anchored by the return of the entire 2005 starting defensive line.
The starters' return will be bolstered by the return of senior Ave Cook, an All-American transfer to Tufts whose 2005 season was cut short by a pulled hamstring.
Junior Wiley Dornseif, who started every game for the Tufts defense last year, anticipates Cook's return as a big boost to the team.
"Ave is one of the best defenseman in the country, and when he's on the field, we're a better team," Dornseif said. "Him coming back can only make us better."
Joining Cook and Dornseif will be seniors Tim Flanagan and Tim Rotolo, junior Alex Bezdek and sophomore Kevin Kistler, who all saw substantial playing time last season. The infusion of three first-years, sophomore transfer Tucker Merrigan and freshmen Jordan Yarboro and Danny Bialosky, will add a few more options to coach Mike Daly's defensive arsenal.
"We have so many guys who are going to make contributions," Bezdek said. "So many different people are pushing each other. Danny is a really solid player - he just explodes with power and athleticism."
The one area on the field without veteran talent is in net, as the team graduated its starting goalie Andy Starr, who started 12 games for the Jumbos, and backup goalie Luke Chicco last season.
This year, the net will be filled by a trio of young players. Sophomore Kevin Coneys, who played just 15 minutes over two games last season, and freshmen Matt Harrigan and Max Murphy will trade time in goal. While Harrigan will be starting in goal for the team's season-opener on Tuesday against Skidmore, the starting position will be up for grabs throughout the season and each practice is a new chance to earn the starting spot.
"Every player competes for his position everyday," Daly said.
Despite the inexperience in net, Bezdek is confident in the goalies behind him.
"Kevin's an exceptional player, and he's great at what he does," Bezdek said. "And Harrigan and Max Murphy are really solid. Even though they are younger guys, the ability these three have to push each other will really make them all better. I'm not at all worried about the goalie situation."
The veteran defense should take a lot of pressure off the young goalies.
"We won't have a lot of experience in the goal, but our returning defensemen have a lot of experience, so the goalies will just have to make the regular saves," senior co-captain Rory Doucette said.
