Limestone Men's Lacrosse Team Competes in NCAA National Semifinal Saturday
May 18, 2006

Courtesy Limestone College Sports Information Office

Postseason Guide

Limestone College men's lacrosse team looks to make its seventh straight NCAA Division II tournament final appearance on May 28, but first the Saints must defeat the nation's top Division II team, LeMoyne, this Saturday in the tournament semifinals in Syracuse, N.Y. The Dolphins and Saints will battle it out at 1 p.m.

One team from each of the three regions and one at-large team were selected to compete in the 2006 NCAA Division II Men's Lacrosse tournament. The other two teams in this year's field are Dowling and Mercyhurst. Dowling (11-1) hosts Mercyhurst (12-2) on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Limestone and LeMoyne are the only two teams selected for NCAA play this year that have won the national title.

This year's meeting marks the third consecutive year Limestone and LeMoyne have met in the tournament. The Dolphins upset the Saints, 11-10, in 2004, to win the national title, while Limestone defeated LeMoyne, 9-8, in the NCAA semifinals last season to advance to the championship game.

The Saints are familiar with postseason play, having won the national championship in 2000 and 2002. Despite facing many challenges this spring, Limestone maintained its reputation as a men's lacrosse powerhouse as the team clinched its eighth straight Deep South Conference title and received an NCAA berth. The Saints' overall record of 11-6 marks the 10th straight year that the squad has posted a winning record. In fact, Limestone has not had a winning percentage below .500 since 1992 when the team was 5-7 in the program's third year of existence. Despite losses earlier this year, the Saints have won seven of their last eight games heading into the postseason.

The Saints' lineup features a talented attack that boasts three players who have tallied at least 30 points this season: Drew Comeau (38 points, 27 goals, 11 assists), Brad Patridge (38 points, 25 goals, 13 assists) and Pat Beall (31 points, 16 goals, 15 assists). The defense is anchored by goalkeeper Marty Ward (146 saves) and defenders Matt Fields (24 ground balls, 6 caused turnovers), Drew Walters (14 ground balls) and Andrew DeLonga (19 ground balls). Harley Beekman is also a key player, posting a .617 face-off percentage as he has won 113 of 183 faceoffs, and he has scooped up 85 ground balls.

The Saints face a formidable opponent in the Dolphins, are the only team in Division II yet to lose a game this season with a 16-0 record. LeMoyne dealt Limestone its first loss of the year on March 4, winning 13-4. Since then, the Dolphins went on to win their sixth straight Northeast-10 conference title and earn their fifth consecutive NCAA bid. Jason Longo leads the team in scoring with 32 goals, and is second on the team in points with 48. Mike McDonald has 39 points from 30 goals and 19 assists.

LeMoyne's defense is No. 1 in NCAA Division II, only allowing 3.67 goals per game. The roster boasts the Northeast-10 Goalkeeper of the Year, Jared Corcoran, who leads the nation with a 3.73 goals against average and a .664 save percentage. Travis Tarr, conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, is a crucial part of the Dolphin defense. He is joined by Chris Doran and Matt Juriga on the back line.

The 2006 NCAA National Championship Final will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CSTV.

For more information on the 2006 NCAA Division II men's lacrosse tournament, visit www.ncaasports.com.