2018 Men’s Lacrosse Year in Review: #65 Siena Saints

With the 2018 college lacrosse season complete, it’s time to start looking back at how all 71 teams did during the season, as well as what to expect from each squad for 2019.

We started looking ahead to 2019 with a few of our team recaps last week and continued things yesterday with Marist.

So with that, let’s continue the recaps!

#65 Siena Saints

Conference: MAAC
2018 Record: 3-9 (1-5 in MAAC play)
Head coach: John Svec (7th Year)

Statistical Leaders

Goals: Chris Robertson (26)
Assists: Chris Robertson (16)
Points: Chris Robertson (42)
Faceoffs: Jake Shapiro (74-of-153; 48.4%)
Ground balls: Hunter Sanna (47)
Caused turnovers: Jack Drillock (12)
Goals against average: Anthony Tebbano (13.47 GAA)
Save percentage: Anthony Tebbano (49.8%)

Personnel Losses

Key seniors departing: A Chris Robertson (26 Gs, 16 As, 12 GBs), M Brian Prunty (18 Gs, 3 As), M Tim Cousin (9 Gs, 4 As), D Luke Van Schepen (23 GBs, 9 CTs, 1 G), FOGO Hunter Sanna (50% faceoff draws, 47 GBs, 1 G), FOGO Jake Shapiro (48.4% faceoff draws, 33 GBs, 1 G, 1 A), SSDM Nick Matzelevich (31 GBs, 11 CTs, 3 Gs), SSDM Mike Vitale (28 GBs, 7 CTs, 1 G, 2 As), D JT Jennings (5 GBs, 5 CTs)
Senior scoring departing: 90 of 183 points (49.2%)
Senior starts lost: 51 of 120 (42.5%)

Season Summary

After winning three of their last four games in 2017, the Saints picked up that momentum in 2018 with victories over Hobart and UMass Lowell to start 2-0. But that was short-lived as Siena lost nine straight, including a stretch of three games where they lost by one or two goals, before beating Manhattan in their season finale.

The Saints won three games for the third straight year and haven’t had a record above .500 since winning the MAAC back in 2014 with an 11-6 record. That caused Siena to relieve head coach John Svec of his duties after seven seasons with the team.

Siena had some talented scoring last season, led by senior Chris Robertson. The attackman led the way with 42 points and notched his 100th career goal in his final game against Manhattan. Robertson was flanked by Keenan Cook, who scored 15 goals, and freshman Nick Casner, who put up 13 points. The attack unit was three of six players who recorded more than 10 points this season, while Robertson, midfielders Mike Reilly and Brian Prunty, and Cook all scored at least 15 goals this year.

The defense was made up of sophomore Jack Drillock as well as senior Luke Van Schepen and junior Jack Twohig. Senior LSM Nick Matzelevich had a productive final season with 31 groundballs and 11 caused turnovers. The Saints also looked upon a freshman netminder in Anthony Tebbano. He had a 49.8% save percentage, but also recorded a 13.47 goals against average.

Looking Ahead

The big question moving forward is who will replace Svec as head coach. That was answered with the hiring of Liam Gleason as their next head coach. He has experience with the program, working under Brian Brecht from 2007 until 2010 before eventually going to Albany.

Robertson departs, along with Prunty and Cousin. They need to replace almost 50% of their scoring from a year ago. Cook and Reilly have one year left, so Casner will need to take more responsibility moving forward at attack. Others like Brandon Lantieri and Dylan Pantalone will be expected to increase their point production as well.

Another loss is at the faceoff X. Both Shapiro and Sanna, Siena’s top two draw takers, graduate. Junior Eric Munn only took one draw and freshman Jason Zou went 8-of-23 on his faceoffs. He’ll probably in the lead to take the top faceoff spot.

Here’s who the Saints will be adding to their roster for next year.*

*Compiled from a multitude of websites. Schools usually officially announce their recruiting class during the fall semester.