Each week for the remainder of the spring we will honor the seniors from two NE10 men's lacrosse programs as our teams of the week for each player's dedication to their program and teammates.
ADELPHI
Coach Gordon Purdie on his senior class - "There are really no words to convey what we all are feeling with the unexpected conclusion to our 2020 season. This large group of 15 seniors have bonded, not only on the field, but many have become best friends. Their comradery over the years have been tested both on and off the field.
At the end of every season, seniors around the country can walk away knowing that they have given their very best and are comforted with the outcome knowing they have given their all. For this class there will always be unanswered questions. I had plenty of hope for this 2020 senior class. I believed in them and more importantly they believed in each other. That mindset is a powerful and I daily miss the opportunity to be a part of their senior year.
Additionally, I would like to specifically recognize a pair of seniors who I know won't be returning to the program. Larry Marino is without a doubt one of, if not the hardest worker on our team in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room. He set the standard high and led by example for our underclassmen. Nick Carlino is one of the most kind and empathetic young men I have had the opportunity to lead. He has always put team before anything else and through his hard work and dedication to the program, helped mold the culture for the better."
Seniors:
- Kevin Rice - GK - New Hyde Park, N.Y.
- Mike Zito - Midfield - Merrick, N.Y.
- Nico Racalbuto - Attack - Merrick, N.Y.
- John Arcidiacono - Midfield - Eastchester, N.Y.
- Gordon Purdie - Attack - Lynbrook, N.Y.
- Phil Brady - Midfield - Massapequa, N.Y.
- Quintin McKenna - Midfield - Greenlawn, N.Y.
- Brian Smith - Midfield - Williston, N.Y.
- Sean Peet - Defense - Glen Cove, N.Y.
- Dylan Crossan - Attack - South Hempstead, N.Y.
- Nick Carlino - Defense - Bethpage, N.Y.
- Lawrence Marino - LSM - New Hyde Park, N.Y.
- Kyle Sliwak - Midfield - Wantagh, N.Y.
- Sean Peet - Defense - Glen Cove, N.Y.
- Michael Payton - Midfield - Glen Cove, N.Y.
- Justin Napolitano - Defense - Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Season Recap
The Panthers opened the season at No. 2 in the USILA National Poll and dropped a pair of contested games to nationally ranked Lenoir-Rhyne and Tampa, who both concluded the season ranked in the top-five nationally. Adelphi finished its season ranked No. 9 and finished with a 24-2 victory over AIC. Seniors Nicolas Racalbuto and John Arcidiacono led the team with scoring with 12 and seven points, while Kevin Rice started two games in net.
SAINT MICHAEL'S
Coach Alex Smith on his senior class - "This class has been instrumental in helping change our attitude and expectations around what it means to play for Saint Michael's College men's lacrosse. This was our third year together and we have really start to put something together here that is going to have a long-lasting effect on the history of our program. I am sad for these seniors that they don't get a chance to see the fruits of their labors this season because I certainly believe we were an improving team that could have surprised some people. However, I'm proud of them for all they have been through as a class and how much they put into the program. They will certainly be missed."
Seniors:
- Will Moriarty - Defense - Ashland, Mass.
- Justin Richmond - FO - New Market, Md.
- Ralph Grillone III - Attack - Brockton, Mass.
- Bailey Carter - SSDM - Medway, Mass.
- Aidan Maron - SSDM - Sudbury, Mass.
Season Recap
The Purple Knights opened the season 1-2, with both losses by a single goal. Saint Michael's fell 9-8 in OT to Saint Rose and then Roberts Wesleyan 9-8 before wrapping up the season with a 12-6 victory over Dominican. Ralph Grillone III had six points to lead all seniors, while Will Moriarty led the defense with eight caused turnovers and nine ground balls.
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 student-athletes compete in conference championships, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
