MEN’S LACROSSE RANKED 10TH IN ROCK-IT POCKET/LAXNEWS PRESEASON POLL

PRINCETON, N.J. (Dec. 10, 2008) - Last night, LAXnews and Rock-it Pocket released its 2009 preseason tally for men's lacrosse, and Molloy College is slotted 10th in the poll. The Lions come into the new season looking to rebound from last year's overall ledger of 5-8. Defending national champion and East Coast Conference opponent New York Institute of Technology is atop the census at No. 1.

In 2008, midfielder Keith Galante (Plainedge, N.Y.) led Molloy in scoring with 53 points off of 27 goals and 26 assists. He also picked up 29 ground balls. Attacker Jeffrey Flandina (West Islip, N.Y.) was positioned second with 29 points (23 G, 6 A). Two of those markers also proved to be game-winners. Ranked third was midfielder Mike Salisbury (Freeport, N.Y.), who recorded 27 points on 15 assists and 12 tallies.

Midfielder Billy Brown (North Babylon, N.Y.) sported a team-best .554 win percentage (87-for-157) on face-offs. Guarding the cage, goaltender Rob Humann (Hicksville, N.Y.) stopped 134 shots and compiled a goals-against average of 9.44. He also posted a .554 save percentage in 686-plus minutes of action for the Lions.

Head Coach Joe Catalanotti and his squad kick off the 2009 season on March 8 when Molloy clashes with Assumption College in non-conference action at the Dean G. Skelos Sports Complex in Rockville Centre, N.Y. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

2009 Rock-It Pocket/LAXnews Preseason Poll

1. NYIT

2. Le Moyne

3. C.W. Post

4. Dowling

5. Limestone

6. Adelphi

7. Merrimack

8. Mercyhurst

9. Saint Leo

10. Molloy