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March
2000
#1 SEA GULLS VISIT #2 GETTYSBURG IN MEN'S LACROSSE SHOWDOWN Salisbury State (9-0) at Gettysburg (6-0) The Rankings -- SSU, ranked first in all the Division III preseason polls, has held the number one spot throughout the season. Gettysburg, ranked fourth in the preseason, is currently #2 in the nation. This is the fourth straight year that both teams have been ranked in the top 10 when they meet. #1 vs. #2 Deja Vu — The last time Salisbury was involved in a game that featured Division III’s #1 against #2 was in 1995. The Sea Gulls were #1 throughout that season and twice played Gettysburg while the Bullets were ranked #2. SSU prevailed 18-10 during the regular season and 21-9 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. SSU beat #3 Nazareth one week later to claim its second national championship. The Series -- The teams are meeting for the 12th time overall and ninth straight season. Salisbury holds a 9-2 advantage in the series. Last Year -- Gettysburg handed Salisbury its only loss last year, winning 10-8 at Sea Gull Stadium. The Bullets jumped to a 4-1 first quarter lead and never trailed in the contest. Salisbury closed to 9-8 at the end of the third quarter, but Gettysburg tallied the only goal of the fourth quarter. Streaks -- Salisbury State brings an 18-game overall winning streak into Saturday’s game and has not lost since falling to Gettysburg last season. SSU won nine straight to close out the 1999 season en route to its third national championship. SSU has added nine wins in 2000. Gettysburg has won 14 of its last 15 games dating back to last year’s contest against Salisbury. The only loss during that time was a 14-13 defeat against RIT in the quarterfinal round of the 1999 NCAA Tournament. SSU This Year -- The Sea Gulls posted wins over #18 Colby (18-3) and #17 Bowdoin (15-7) in Port Richey, FL last week. Senior attackman Joe High tallied five goals and two assists in each game, and leads the Gulls on the year with 40g-13a-54p. Senior midfielders Chris Turner (24g-13a-37p) and Tim Parks (20g-7a-27p) are second and third in scoring, respectively. The defense, led by all-Americans Hirbod Azmi and Mark Breier, is allowing opponents just 4.2 goals/game. Senior John Dodson (.741 save pct) and sophomore Pat Tewes (.708) have split time in goal. SSU Against the Best -- The Sea Gulls were 7-1 last year against teams ranked in the top 10, and are 37-5 against top 10 teams over the past six seasons, including an 11-8 win over #9 Ohio Wesleyan on March 12. Gettysburg Preview -- The Bullets, coached by former SSU head coach Hank Janczyk, posted a 15-2 win over Cortland State last Saturday. Gettysburg has also defeated top-10 ranked Washington & Lee and Middlebury this season. Senior attackman Ross Garretson (12g-8a) and sophomore Ric Bremer (15g-5a) share the team’s scoring lead with 20 points each. Senior goalie Andrew Barter has a 5.79 goals against average and a .588 saves percentage. What’s Ahead -- Salisbury returns to Sea Gull Stadium on Wednesday, April 5 for its first home game in four weeks. The Sea Gulls host Marymount in their final Capital Athletic Conference game of the season. SSU hosts Adelphi, ranked #3 in Division II, next Saturday, April 8. TRACK TEAM SETS RECORDS AT BATTLEGROUND RELAYS FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Salisbury State University men’s and women’s track & field teams set three new school records in addition to a number of outstanding individual performances at the Battleground Relays hosted by Mary Washington College. Team scores were not kept. The women’s 4 x 800 meter relay team established a new SSU record of 9:56.1. Kristin Camp, Jen Jeffas, Stacie Wentz and Sherry Esposito combined on the record, which cut 12 seconds off the previous mark. SSU placed third among nine teams in the event. The same foursome just missed a second school record in the distance medley relay, falling four second shy with a time of 13:39.37. Salisbury also set a new school record in the women’s sprint medley relay with a time of 1:54.95. Jeffas and Esposito were joined on this record by sophomore Kelly Knutson and junior Christy Prestileo. Freshman Scottie Morris had the top individual performance, winning the women’s 3000-meter run in a time of 11:10.75. She also added a fifth place finish in the 5,000-meters with a time of 19:38.7. Sophomore pole vaulter Amy Jacobs tied her own school record, set earlier this season, with a jump of 8'0" while finishing sixth in that event. On the men’s side, top performances included a third place by freshman Beau Ridgway in the shot put (44' 7.5"); and a third place by Chris Brookhart in the high jump (6'2"). Both Sea Gull squads are back in action this Saturday at the Captains Classic hosted by Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. SALISBURY DOWNS GOUCHER 20-7 IN WOMEN'S LACROSSE Salisbury, Md - Junior attack Jen Mezzadra scored a game-high seven goals and senior Jen Ice added four goals to lead ninth-ranked Salisbury State to a 20-7 win over Goucher in a Capital Athletic Conference game Saturday. The Sea Gulls (6-1 overall, 2-0 CAC) scored on their first six shots of the game and eight of their first 10. Goucher lost for the first time this season, falling to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in CAC play. Mezzadra tallied six of her goals in the opening half to give Salisbury a 12-2 halftime advantage. Ice scored all four of her goals in the opening 13 minutes as SSU built leads of 5-0 and 9-1. The Sea Gulls outshot the Gophers 20-13 in the first half and 35-21 for the game. Amanda Almon and Betsy McDuell finished with two goals and one assist each for Salisbury, which had 11 players register at least one goal or one assist. Senior Amanda Moculski tallied a team-high four assists. Sophomore Lauren Menekin led Goucher with three goals. Kate Jarvis added two goals. Senior goalie Lisa LeBeau finished with 10 saves for Salisbury. Goucher’s Megan Zeller recorded nine saves. Salisbury is back in action on Thursday, March 30 at home against Rowan. Goucher’s next game is Wednesday at Mary Washington. Salisbury (6-1, 2-0) 12.....8.... - 20 SSU Goals - Mezzadra 7, Ice 4, Almon 2, McDuell 2, Bozick, Haynie, Sappington,
Sliger, Cooper SSU Assists - Moculski 4, Driscoll 2, Almon, Haynie, McDuell. SSU Saves - LeBeau 10 GULLS PLACE 4TH IN SSU SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL Sea Gull Invitational Softball Tournament Game Scores - Friday, March 17 * King’s, Virginia Wesleyan and Cabrini complete the two-day round-robin tournament with 4-0 records. Virginia Wesleyan is eliminated on the first tie-breaker (fewest runs allowed). King’s is tournament champion over Cabrini based on the second tie-breaker (run differential). King’s was +19 (25-6), Cabrini was +15 (21-6). SALISBURY STATE - OHIO WESLEYAN MEN'S LACROSSE PREVIEW Salisbury State (6-0) vs. Ohio Wesleyan (1-0) The Rankings -- SSU, ranked first in all the Division III preseason polls, maintained its number one ranking in the first USILA regular season poll, released earlier this week. Ohio Wesleyan is ninth. This is the seventh straight year that both teams have been ranked in the top 10 when they meet. The Sea Gulls have been ranked either first, second or third at the time of their OWU game in each of those seasons. The Series -- The teams are meeting for the 20th time, with Salisbury holding a 14-5 advantage in the series. Last Year -- Salisbury prevailed 12-5 at home, snapping a two-game losing streak against the Bishops. SSU built a 5-0 halftime advantage and never trailed. Brian Smith paced the Gulls with three goals and one assist. Chris Turner tallied two goals and one assist and Peter Troup added two goals. The victory avenged a 16-15 loss at Ohio Wesleyan in 1998. Streaks -- Salisbury State brings a 15-game overall winning streak into Sunday’s game, dating back to last season. SSU won its final nine games of the 1999 season, and has added six wins in 2000. Ohio Wesleyan had won two straight in the series prior to last year’s SSU victory. Salisbury won five straight over OWU between 1991 and 1996. Ohio Wesleyan’s 13-10 win in 1997 ended Salisbury’s NCAA record 65-game regular season winning streak. The Sea Gulls have lost just three regular season games since 1994, twice to Ohio Wesleyan. SSU This Year -- The Sea Gulls have been dominating thus far, with an average margin of victory of 17.2 goals per game. Salisbury registered its 28th straight conference win, 19-3 at Goucher on Tuesday. Senior all-America attackman Joe High has 29 goals and 38 points through six games. He tallied his 150th career point in Tuesday’s win. Senior midfielder Chris Turner has 14 goals and 23 points. Six others have at least 10 points this season and 25 different players have at least one goal or one assist through six games. Goalie John Dodson has started four games with an .839 save percentage. Sophomore Pat Tewes has seen action in all six games and averages a team-leading 5.5 saves per game. SSU Against the Best -- The Sea Gulls were 7-1 last year against teams ranked in the top 10, and are 36-5 against top 10 teams over the past six seasons. OWU Preview -- The Battling Bishops, led by first-year Head Coach Sean Ryan, opened with a 17-5 win over Northwood (MI) Wednesday. OWU has nine starters back from last year’s 12-4 squad, and owns the fourth-best record in Division III over the past decade with a 124-36 record. Ohio Wesleyan will follow its Salisbury contest with games against Greensboro and Hampden-Sydney during its three-game spring trip. What’s Ahead -- Sunday’s game is Salisbury’s last at home until April 5. The Sea Gulls will play their next three away from Sea Gull Stadium, including games against Colby (March 21) and Bowdoin (March 24) in Port Richey, FL. WOMEN'S LACROSSE BRINGS LOFTY EXPECTATIONS INTO 2000 SEASON The Sea Gulls return 15 letterwinners from last year’s 12-4 squad which earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the national quarterfinals. Coming off the most successful season in the program’s history, Salisbury State enters the 2000 campaign ranked 11th in one preseason poll and 12th in another. Last year’s record-setting squad established new team records for consecutive wins (6) and victories in a season, as well as setting a new team scoring mark for the third straight year (230 goals) and a new record for assists (113). The good news is that Head Coach Dawn Chamberlin welcomes back many of the last year’s key perfomers to headline this year’s team, including 1999's top six scorers. The high-powered offense scored 20 goals or better four times last year and finished seventh in the nation in scoring with 14.4 goals per game. Junior Jen Mezzadra, a third team all-America last year, led the Gulls with 67 goals and 77 points last year, establishing new individual records in both categories. Those totals included six goals against Cortland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. She also tied the SSU single-game record with 10 goals against Frostburg State. Senior Amanda Moculski (32g-31a) set a new single-game record for assists (8) and points (13) against Catholic and led the Gulls in assists for the season. Seniors Jen Ice (45g-11a) and Annie Sappington (28g-20a) join Mezzadra and Moculski to form an explosive quartet of proven scorers. Senior Michelle Haynie (15g-15a) adds further depth on attack while sophomore Amanda Almon (10g-7a) will join Sappington as another key member of the midfield. Chamberlin’s biggest preseason challenge may be finding replacements for three all-conference members of last year’s defense, including in goal. Senior Lisa LeBeau, who saw action in five games last year, may be the top goalie candidate. Key defensive returnees include senior Carolyn Murray (10g-1a), junior Kelly Eberling (3g-4a), sophomore Christine Sliger (0g-2a). SSU has won 13 of 14 regular season games in the Capital Athletic Conference since 1997, but has not been able to capture the league title. With plenty of returning firepower from last year’s record-setting squad, the Gulls should once again challenge for top honors in the CAC and hope to return to the national postseason tournament. SEA GULLS OPEN WITH WIN IN NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SALISBURY STATE 80, STATEN ISLAND 63 Salisbury (17-11) advances to play Rowan (NJ) in the second round on Saturday. Staten Island finishes its season with a 20-8 record. Salisbury, which never trailed, opened the game with a 6-0 run in the opening minute. The Sea Gulls pushed the lead to 15-4 after four minutes and led 28-9 at 11:50 following a three-point play by Neylan. SSU led 49-25 at halftime and forced 23 Staten Island turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. Salisbury led by as many as 30 points in the second half, pushing its advantage to 64-34 at 12:30 following a three-point play by Lexa Turner. Mary Giblin led Staten Island with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Tara Gagliardo, CSI's all-time scoring leader, finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. SEA GULLS WIN FIRST CAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Salisbury Hosts Staten Island in NCAA Tournament First Round Salisbury Hosts Staten Island in NCAA First Round Gulls Return to NCAA Tournament Field 1995 vs. Waynesburg (H) Lost 68-66 Neylan Powers Gulls to Championship Barfuss Hits 1,000-Point Milestone MEN'S LACROSSE DOWNS CATHOLIC 24-1 WASHINGTON, DC - Salisbury State continued its opening-week ride through the Capital Athletic Conference with its second victory in three days, defeating host Catholic 24-1 Thursday afternoon. SSU (2-0 overall, 2-0 CAC) claimed its 25th straight conference win since joining the league in 1995. Fourteen different players tallied at least one goal or one assist for Salisbury, led by seniors Joe High (4g-2a) and Chris Turner (4g-1a). Other multi-goal scorers included Craig Rhodey (3g-2a), Kevin Fox (2g-3a), Tim Parks (2g) and Jimmy Barnes (2g). Sophomore goalie Pat Tewes made six saves for the Sea Gulls and maintained a shutout until late in the fourth quarter. Catholic tallied the game’s final goal with 2:30 remaining. Senior specialist Chris Martin controlled 12 of 15 faceoffs for Salisbury and led the team with nine groundballs. SSU had a 55-10 advantage in total shots. Salisbury plays its home-opener on Saturday, hosting conference-newcomer York. Game
time at Sea Gull Stadium is 1 p.m. SSU Assists - Fox 3, High 2, Rhodey 2, Bergey 2, Turner, Parks, McKenzie SSU Saves - Tewes 6s, 1g (58 min); LaChance 0s (2 min) CUA Goal - M.Lambert CUA Assist - T.Lambert CUA Saves - Jablonski 16s; Murphy 3s CAC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS BEGIN MONDAY Preview Luncheon Also Slated for Monday A Salisbury win Saturday or a loss by third-place Marymount would insure a number two seeding for the Sea Gulls. Monday's opponent is still uncertain. Regardless of opponent, game time has been set for 7:30 p.m. at the Maggs Center. Winners in Monday's tournament quarterfinals advance to semifinal games on Wednesday, February 23. The championship game will be hosted by the highest remaining seed on Saturday, February 26. All spectators will need a ticket for Monday's game. General admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for SSU students with ID. No passes will be issued, per conference rules. Sea Gull Club Luncheon at Noon Monday Women's Team Begins Tournament Play on Tuesday SWIMMERS PLACE 3RD, 4TH AT CAC CHAMPIONSHIP MEET FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The men's and women's swim teams concluded their seasons at the annual Capital Athletic Conference Championship Meet on Sunday with mixed results. The women's squad earned its highest finish ever with a third place showing in the eight-team field. The men matched last year's finish by placing fourth in the championship, after a third-place regular season showing. Two Sea Gulls claimed individual conference championships. Sophomore Brendan Roddy successfully defended his title in the 1650-yard freestyle, winning the event in a time of 17:03.77. Roddy also added a second place finish in the 500 freestyle and a fourth place showing in the 200 backstroke. Junior Cineva Kline captured the women's only individual title with a school-record time of 1:01.18 in the 100 backstroke. Kline added a second school-record with a time of 2:16.16 in the 200 backstroke. She finished seventh in that event. Other women's highlights included three second place finishes for junior Rebecca Mitchell, including a school-record time in the 500 freestyle (5:11.15). She was also second in the 100 butterfly (1:01.36) and the 200 freestyle (1:56.79). Junior Alison Calcaterra recorded a third place showing in the 100 freestyle and a fourth in the 50 free. Senior Teresa Piekarski was fifth in the 100 breaststroke and sixth in the individual medley. Sophomore Julie Wood finished fifth in the 200 backstroke. On the men's side, junior Scott DeJesus added his name to the school recordbook in the 50 freestyle (22.65) and the 100 freestyle (50.23). He was fifth in the 100 free and placed sixth in the 200 backstroke. Other top six finishers included senior Mike Nusbaum, fifth in the 1650 free and senior Brian Saulsbury, sixth in the 400 IM. Final team totals in the women's championship were: 1)Mary Washington, 615 points; 2)Catholic, 373; 3)Salisbury, 300; 4)St. Mary's, 286; 5) Marymount, 207; 6)York, 99; 7)Goucher, 76; 8)Gallaudet, 44. Final team totals in the men's championship were: 1)Catholic, 586 points; 2)Mary Washington, 441; 3) Marymount, 228; 4)Salisbury, 224; 5)York, 219; 6)St. Mary's, 156; 7)Goucher, 60. Marymount's narrow margin over Salisbury for third place in the men's championship was decided on the final event, the 400 freestyle relay. Marymount edged the Sea Gulls in the event, placing third in 3:23.79, with SSU fourth in 3:23.93. The men's squad finished with a 4-4 overall record and 4-2 CAC mark this season. The SSU women posted their best record since the 1992 season with a 6-4 overall mark and 5-2 CAC record. BASEBALL SQUAD FEATURES TALENT AND DEPTH IN 2000 Coming off its fifth straight season with 20 or more wins, the Salisbury State University baseball team features plenty of talent and depth entering the 2000 season. The Gulls combine key returnees from last year’s 23-13 squad with a host of newcomers to provide third-year Head Coach Robb Disbennett with an expanded roster of 37 players. One of Disbennett’s principle challenges will be finding and defining roles for each of his players. “There’s no doubt that this is the most talented team we’ve had during my tenure,” says Disbennett, who brings a 44-28-1 career record into the 2000 campaign. “We have lots of good athletes we can put on the field, but everybody must understand their role.” A closer look at the Sea Gulls, by position: Infield Junior Nathan Israel, a transfer from Montgomery-Germantown JC, is the projected starter at second base. Israel has an excellent glove, outstanding speed and a strong work ethic. Sophomore returnee Robbie Robeson (.556 avg. in 14 games last year) and junior transfer Mike Harbaugh are the top backups. Sophomore BJ Jarrett, who started all 36 games last year, returns at shortstop. Jarrett is one of the top defensive shortstops in the region and could contend for postseason honors with a little more offensive output this season. He hit .220 last year, with 33 runs scored and a .327 on-base percentage. Junior transfer Charlie Killmayer, from Anne Arundel JC, will serve as Jarrett’s primary backup and could also see action elsewhere in the infield. Senior Tim Hilyard, who slumped a bit last year (.224) after hitting .366 as a sophomore, will start the season at third base. Outstanding on defense, he combines with Jarrett to form a solid due on the left side of the diamond. Junior transfer Chad Swiderski, from Delaware Tech, is also available and could also see duty on the mound. “I think our infield defense is outstanding,” says Disbennett. “Defensively, we’re probably better than we’ve ever been, and we’re also faster. I think we’ll hit a little more as well.” First team all-conference catcher Charles Walter returns behind the plate. The senior is coming off a season in which he hit .274 with 10 doubles and 17 RBI. Walter, a lefthanded hitter, played in all 36 games last year but should get some relief this season with the addition of senior Colin Sweitzer. An experienced, strong-armed receiver, Sweitzer will also see extensive game duty. Junior transfer Kevin Hurney, from Montgomery-Germantown JC, could also help. “All three guys can do the job defensively behind-the-plate,” says Disbennett. “We feel that we have very good depth at this position.” Outfield Junior Larry Williams earned second team all-CAC honors in 1999 after hitting .304 with 17 RBI and 21 runs scored. With added strength in the offseason, Williams should also provide more power this spring. Sophomore Jason Ewing earned first-team all-conference accolades last year following a .336 campaign. Ewing led the Gulls in hits (44), RBI (33), home runs (5) and steals (17) as a freshman last year. Junior transfer Justin Taylor, from Delaware Tech, will also join the five-player outfield rotation. “All five of these guys will play,” says Disbennett. “They are all very fast and catch everything in sight. Most of them are also versatile enough to play more than one spot. Our depth in the outfield is very good.” Pitchers Junior RHP Bobby Hamel (2-1, 5.81 ERA), the only other pitcher with a proven track record, assumes the number two spot in the rotation. Hamel is a control pitcher with command of four pitches. Disbennett is planning on rounding out the starting rotation with three other freshmen: southpaw Star Kriger and righthanders Jake Coleman and Steve Fredrick. Senior LHP Kevin Coulbourn, a transfer from Maryland, could be a pleasant addition if he can recover from arm troubles that plagued him in the past. Others who could see action in relief roles include junior RHP Andy Brown, junior RHP Rob Wolsin, and infielders Swiderski, Harman and Loy. Returning juniors Jon Riker (2-1) and Dan Warner (1-1) are also available. “Bostian and Hamel are our only real experienced pitchers,” says Disbennett. “We do not have what I would call an overpowering staff. We simply want our pitchers to throw strikes and let the defense make the plays behind them. We think our defense is outstanding, so we want to put them in position to help the pitching staff. Pitching with control will be one of the keys for our staff.” Overview “With the number of talented players that we have this year, I think the players know that not everybody will play everyday. Attitudes will be important as we begin defining different roles for different players. “I think this year’s team will hit more than we did last year (.279). I’ll be surprised if we’re not more productive offensively. Defensively, we can be outstanding. We finished 23rd in the nation in fielding last year (.957), and I think we can be a top 10 fielding team this year. “Pitching is our biggest question mark because we lack game experience. If we can do the job on the mound, we have the talent everywhere else to be very successful this year.” GULLS HOST MARYMOUNT IN BASKETBALL DOUBLEHEADER Men’s Game The Sea Gulls have won five straight, all in conference games, to move into second place in the Capital Athletic Conference. SSU registered its latest win on Saturday, winning 75-65 at Mary Washington. Jason Campion led the Sea Gulls with 18 points. Victor Jackson leads Salisbury in scoring, averaging 14.5 points per game, and leads the CAC in field goal percentage (57.6%). Doug King is 2nd in the CAC in assists, averaging 5.9 per game. Wednesday’s meeting is the second of the season between SSU and Marymount. The Saints handed Salisbury one of its two previous CAC losses with an 82-63 win in Arlington last month. Salisbury is currently in second place in the conference, trailing first-place Catholic by one game. Marymount is third, one game behind Salisbury. Following Wednesday’s game, the Sea Gulls close out their regular season home
schedule against St. Mary’s on Saturday at 7:30 pm. The Sea Gulls fell into a tie with Marymount for fifth place in the conference following Saturday’s 72-66 loss at Mary Washington. SSU led much of the way in that game before the Eagles took control in the closing minutes. Freshman Amy Campion finished with 16 points to pace the Gulls. Junior forward Lisa Neylan leads Salisbury in scoring, averaging 18.1 points per game, and rebounding, averaging 9.3 per game. Neylan needs eight points in Wednesday’s game to reach 1,000 for her career, becoming the 12th SSU women’s player to reach that milestone. Marymount defeated Salisbury 68-65 when the teams met earlier this season. Forward Sara Scangarello led the Gulls with 15 points in that contest. The Sea Gulls host St. Mary’s on Saturday at 5:30 pm in their final regular season home game. SSU finishes the regular season with road games at Catholic and York. next week. SEA GULLS TABBED AS LACROSSE FAVORITE IN PRESEASON POLLS Coming off its third NCAA Division III national championship in the past six years, the Salisbury State men's lacrosse team enters the 2000 season as the preseason favorite to return to the title game. Face-Off Lacrosse Yearbook and Lacrosse Magazine have both placed the Sea Gulls atop their 2000 preseason polls. And with five all-Americans back in the lineup this year, Coach Jim Berkman's squad appears to have the talent to successfully fulfill those lofty expectations. "We have to remember that what everybody is reading in the polls and magazines and what actually happens on the field are two different things," said Berkman, who begins his 12th season at Salisbury with an astounding 151-19 record. "We certainly have the potential to be one of the best teams in the country again this year, but we have to remember to prove it out on the field." SSU capped an 18-1 1999 campaign with a 13-6 victory over Middlebury in the national championship game, claiming its third NCAA title since 1994. The championship capped a phenomenal decade of success for the Gulls, including the best record in NCAA Division III lacrosse over the last 10 years, 142-14. SSU has made 11 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the longest active streak of any Division III team, and had 68 players recognized as all-Americans through the 1990s. Salisbury State returns 26 lettermen this year, and has eight players recognized as preseason all-Americans by Street & Smith's College Lacrosse USA. But while Berkman returns a veteran lineup, the Sea Gulls are also not without some question marks entering the new season. Key losses on attack and in the goal will need to be addressed as SSU begins pursuit of another possible title. A closer look at this year's team, by position: ATTACK Two other newcomers have also emerged as early contenders for significant playing time. Senior transfer Scott Chandler is a proven collegiate scorer who joins the Gulls from Virginia Wesleyan. Freshman Craig Rhodey is a strong lefthander who should also contribute. The traditionally high-scoring Sea Gulls once again finished among the national scoring leaders in 1999, placing fifth in the nation in scoring offense with 16.3 goals per game. "There is a great deal of potential on this unit," said Berkman. "High is the mainstay and Fox is a very solid player who will be in the rotation. We also have a couple of strong lefty candidates. With several new faces, this is a unit that may need some time to fully develop." MIDFIELD Sophomore Josh Bergey (15g-10a), senior Jimmy Barnes (8g-1a), senior Ryan McKenzie (6g- 2a), and senior Rob Bates (3g-5a) are all key returnees. Newcomers who should contribute immediately include junior transfers Rob Bookhamer (Limestone) and Chris Criswell (Towson). "We have lots of depth in the midfield which could wear down opponents, especially in warmer weather later in the season," said Berkman. "There's a strong group of seniors and a lot of speed throughout the lineup. There's a lot of good athletes in this group." Three other veterans provide the Gulls with an experienced trio of short-stick defensive midfielders: seniors Paul Trentadue and John Salva, and junior Cory Brown. Junior Dave DiPaola is a returning all-American as one of the nation's premier long-pole midfielders. Newcomers John Karcher and Phil Matkovic will also contribute as LSM specialists. Senior Chris Martin is one of the nation's top face-off specialists and is a preseason honorable mention AA by College Lacrosse USA. DEFENSE Senior Hirbod Azmi (6'4", 220) and junior Mark Breier (6'0", 200) are returning all- Americans who will serve as the units leaders again in 2000. Junior Jordan Austin (6'2", 200), a three-year letterman, will likely assume the third starter's spot. Junior Bryan Shanahan (5'10, 185) and sophomore Will Gateau (5'9", 165) are also among the key defensive returnees. "We should have a very good defensive unit once again," said Berkman. "We have a number of experienced returnees, so they should play very well together. We'd like to start the year defensively at the same level that we finished in 1999." GOALIE "We have two very good goalies who are very close in ability," said Berkman. "Dodson may have the edge in experience, but Tewes is also very solid. We're very comfortable with having either one as our starter." OVERVIEW GULLS TABBED AS PRESEASON #1 IN MEN'S LACROSSE POLLS Eight Players Receive Preseason All-America Honors SALISBURY, MD - Coming off its third NCAA Division III national championship in the past six years, the Salisbury State men's lacrosse team enters the 2000 season as the preseason favorite to return to the title game. Face-Off Lacrosse Yearbook and Lacrosse Magazine have both placed the Sea Gulls atop their 2000 preseason polls. With 27 returning letterwinners and eight players who have received 2000 preseason recognition, Coach Jim Berkman's squad appears to have the talent to successfully fulfill those lofty expectations. "We have to remember that what everybody is reading in the polls and magazines and what actually happens on the field are two different things," said Berkman, who begins his 12th season at Salisbury with an astounding 151-19 record. "We certainly have the potential to be one of the best teams in the country again this year, but we have to remember to prove it out on the field." Eight Sea Gull players have received preseason recognition by one of the various lacrosse publications. Senior Joe High is tabbed as a first team all-American by both Face-Off Lacrosse Yearbook (FOLY) and Street & Smith's College Lacrosse USA (CLUSA). Senior midfielder Chris Turner is also a first team selection by both publications, as well as one of the 'Players-to-Watch' according to Lacrosse Magazine. Senior midfielder Tim Parks and junior long-pole midfielder Dave DiPaola are both first team picks by CLUSA, and second team selectees in FOLY. Junior defenseman Mark Breier is a second team CLUSA pick, and third team FOLY honoree. Senior defenseman Hirbod Azmi is a second teamer in FOLY and honorable mention pick in CLUSA. Others receiving recognition include: senior midfielder and face-off specialist Chris Martin, honorable mention CLUSA; and junior midfielder Chris Criswell, honorable mention in both CLUSA and FOLY. Salisbury State, which defeated Middlebury 13-6 in the 1999 national championship game, opens the 2000 season on February 19 at Capital Athletic Conference foe Mary Washington. SSU plays its first home game on February 26 against CAC-newcomer York. SSU WOMEN ALSO RANKED in PRESEASON POLLS The Salisbury State women's lacrosse team is also among the highly ranked in two preseason polls. SSU, coming off a 12-4 campaign and a berth in the NCAA Tournament's national quarterfinals last year, is 11th in Women's Lacrosse Yearbook and 12th in Inside Lacrosse Magazine. In addition, junior attack Jen Mezzadra, who finished ninth in the nation in scoring last year, is a first team preseason all-American in Inside Lacrosse and listed as an honorable mention selectee by LaxPower.com. The SSU women open their season at home on March 4 against Notre Dame (Md). HALFPAP NAMED MEN'S & WOMEN'S TENNIS HEAD COACH Former Sea Gull Letterman Returns To Lead Both Teams SALISBURY, MD - Randy Halfpap, a key member of Salisbury State's 1996 and 1997 NCAA Tournament men's tennis squads, has been named the new head coach of the SSU men's and women's tennis teams. Halfpap returns to his alma mater after spending the past two years as the head coach at Pomona-Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. "Randy was an outstanding player for us and has gained valuable coaching experience in California since leaving here," said Dr. Michael Vienna, SSU's director of athletics. "We believe that his enthusiasm will help maintain our programs at the high level we've achieved in the past." Halfpap's Pomona-Pitzer team finished 13-9 overall in 1999 and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament's West Regional. Pomona was ranked 17th in the nation in the final poll, after earning a number 12 national ranking in 1998. Halfpap began his tenure at Pomona-Pitzer as the assistant head coach in 1997 before assuming the head coaching duties the following season. He also served as the head women's coach at the Vivian Webb School in Claremont for the past two years, guiding his squad to a top five ranking among high school programs. Halfpap was a two-year letterman for the Sea Gulls who joined the SSU program as a transfer from Charles County (MD) CC. He won the Capital Athletic Conference singles championship in his flight both seasons, claiming the title at number five singles in 1996 and number three singles in 1997. Halfpap posted a career singles mark of 23-9 at SSU, including 15-6 as a senior in 1997. Halfpap also won the CAC doubles championship in 1997 and finished his career with a 20-14 doubles record. He completed his career with a 43-23 overall combined record. The Sea Gulls won the conference championship during both of his seasons and advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament both years. Halfpap, a native of Owings, MD, graduated from SSU in 1997 with a bachelor's degree. He also earned his master's in education from Azusa Pacific (CA) University in 1999. He returns to Salisbury State to replace his former coach John Browning, who became the men's coach at Emory (GA) University last fall. The University conducted a national search before selecting Halfpap as head coach. Halfpap inherits both a men's and women's program with very successful track records. The SSU men have produced the conference player of the year three times (1996, 1997 and 1999) and have also had at least one all-American in each of the past four seasons. The team has been ranked in both the regional and national polls in each of those years. The Sea Gulls captured their fourth consecutive conference title in 1999 and finished the year ranked 18th in the nation. The SSU women posted their fourth winning campaign in five years with an 11-7 mark in 1999. The 11 victories were the team's most in one season under Browning's leadership and the second highest single-season total in team history. The Gulls have an overall record of 44-26 over the past five seasons. Both Sea Gull teams begin the 2000 season at home on February 19 against UMBC. TWO CAC CHAMPIONSHIPS HIGHLIGHT SSU'S FALL 1999 SEASON Having won six Capital Athletic Conference championships as well as the CAC's All-Sports Trophy during the 1998-99 year, Salisbury State has begun the 1999-2000 year with similarly impressive distinction. Through the end of the 1999 fall season, the Sea Gulls collected CAC titles in field hockey and men's soccer, while also finishing as conference runnersup in women's soccer, men's cross country and women's cross country. Two teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament and two athletes were recognized as national all-Americans. The season's top showing belonged to the men's soccer team, which advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament during a record-setting 18-4-1 campaign. SSU won the CAC and South Region championship while also setting 12 new team and individual records. Goalie Mike Svehla was the CAC's Player of the Year and named to the all-America third team. Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo was the CAC's Coach of the Year and the winner of the NSCAA/adidas South Region Coach of the Year award. The field hockey team finished its season with a 15-4 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament for the 15th time in the last 16 years. The Sea Gulls, coached by CAC Coach of the Year Dawn Chamberlin, claimed their fifth straight conference title in 1999 and finished the season with an impressive 36-game CAC winning streak. Senior back Gina Dean was the CAC's Player of the Year and a first team all-America selectee. Sophomore cross country runner Suzy McCulloch enjoyed a spectacular season, winning seven of her eight races and earning NCAA Mideast Region Athlete of the Year honors. McCulloch won the Capital Athletic Conference Championship as well as the NCAA Mideast Region Championship, and finished her second varsity season with 11 victories in 15 career races. The volleyball team finished 16-16 overall and placed second during the CAC's regular season with a 5-2 league mark. Sophomore outside hitter Kara Kowalski finished second in the conference in service aces and third in digs, while junior setter Katie Korreckplaced fourth in assists. Both were named to the all-conference team. The women's soccer team recorded another outstanding season, finishing second place in the conference with a 13-5 record. SSU placed a conference-best six players on the all-CAC team, and set a new team record in 1999 for fewest goals allowed in a season (8). Coach Jim Berkman's team has won at least 11 games in each of its six varsity seasons, with at least 13 victories in five of the six years. The football team finished 2-7 under first-year coach Sherman Wood, but concluded the year with one of its most exciting games in recent seasons. In a contest that featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter, SSU lost a narrow 23-22 decision to Frostburg State in the inaugural Regents Cup Game played at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore. The game's outcome wasn't decided until SSU's 45-yard field goal attempt sailed wide as time expired. Senior RB Myron Dent was named the Atlantic Central Football Conference's co-Offensive Player of the Year after registering SSU's first 1,000-yard rushing season since 1994. Five other Sea Gulls also earned all-conference honors. THREE SOCCER GULLS RECEIVE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL HONORS Svehla, Tritsch, Zederkof Recognized by NSCAA Following Record-Setting Season Mike Svehla (Baltimore/Calvert HS), a junior goalie, was named to the national third team and all-region second team after posting a record 16 shutouts for the Sea Gulls in 1999. Svehla led the Capital Athletic Conference in save percentage (.911) and goals against average (0.44). He was also named the CAC's Player of the Year last month. Svehla completed his junior season with 33 career shutouts, ranking as Salisbury's all-time leader in that category. Svehla's selection to the all-America team marks the second straight year that a Salisbury player has been nationally honored and the third time in the past five seasons. Rusty Tritsch (Hagerstown, MD/Williamsport HS), a junior midfielder, was named to the all-region second team. Tritsch tied for second on the team in scoring this season with 23 points (8g-7a) and finished his junior year with 16 career goals, 13 assists and 45 total points. He currently ranks seventh in team history in assists. The all-region award is the second postseason honor of the year for Tritsch, who also earned first-team all-Capital Athletic Conference accolades last month. Morten Zederkof (Fredericia, Denmark/Sussex Central (DE) HS), a senior midfielder and four-year letterman for the Sea Gulls, was named to the all-region third team. Zederkof led Salisbury in scoring this season with 10 goals, four assists and 24 points. His 24- point total was the 12th-best single-season scoring output in team history. Zederkof was also selected to the CAC second team midfield last month. "The all-America award for Mike is an honor that's truly well deserved," said SSU Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo. "He had a great year in 1999 and had two very solid years before this one when he received no individual honors of any type. His recognition this year is a reflection of the collective strength of the entire defensive unit. "It's a great honor for our program to have three all-region players, especially since this team is selected by our opponents. Rusty has been a great player for us for three years, and Morten was able to stay healthy and enjoyed a tremendous year after being hurt the past two seasons." GULLS HOST CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT IN MEN'S BASKETBALL Game Data Salisbury State is trying to capture its third win in five days. The Gulls downed Virginia Wesleyan 97-92 in overtime on Monday and defeated Capital Athletic Conference rival Goucher 74-70 on Wednesday. Sophomore forward Victor Jackson led the Gulls against Goucher with 19 points, while forward Babatunde Bandele paced the scoring attack against Virginia Wesleyan with 23 points. Jackson leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.3 ppg, with sophomore Jason Campion adding 12.6 ppg. Salisbury is averaging 88.5 ppg, second best among CAC teams. Bandele is the top rebounder with 5.5 rpg. The Sea Gulls face a four-week holiday break following Saturday's game before returning to action at the Elizabethtown (PA) Tournament on January 7th and 8th. SSU does not play at home again until January 15th against Mary Washington. Christopher Newport has not played since beating Southern Virginia College 105-84 at home last Saturday. The Captains are ranked 6th in the nation in this week's d3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Senior forward Brandon Jones and junior forward Antoine Sinclair lead the Captains in scoring, averaging 20.5 ppg and 20.3 ppg, respectively. Sinclair also leads the team in rebounds with 11.8 rpg. The Captains are averaging 89.3 points/game and outscoring opponents by an average of 17.7 points per contest. Christopher Newport defeated Salisbury 99-79 at home last season. The overall series record is tied at 9-9. SALISBURY OPTIMIST CLASSIC BEGINS ON FRIDAY SALISBURY, MD - The Salisbury State men's and women's basketball teams host their annual Salisbury Optimist Classic this week with two days of nearly non-stop basketball action at the Maggs Center on campus. The dual tournament, which features four games on consecutive days, begins Friday afternoon and continues through the men's championship game on Saturday evening. Men's and women's games are played alternately throughout the two days. Salisbury is joined by Chowan, Lincoln and Savannah Art & Design in the men's tournament. The Sea Gulls host Lincoln in Friday's first round at 8 p.m. Chowan and Savannah meet at 3 p.m. Saturday's game times are 3 p.m. for the third place game and 8 p.m. for the championship. The Sea Gull men have won the annual event in four of the past five years, with victories over Lincoln in three of those finals. Now in its 24th year, the men's tournament began in 1977. Since then, 42 team have appeared in the tournament and 12 different champions have been crowned. Host Salisbury State has won 12 tournament titles and has also finished as the runner-up nine times. No team other than Salisbury State has multiple tournament championships. Lincoln won the 1996 tournament. The four-team women's field features Frostburg State, Savannah Art & Design, and Wesley in addition to the Sea Gulls. Savannah and Wesley begin the tournament at 1 p.m. on Friday. Salisbury plays Frostburg in Friday's 6 p.m. contest. The women's consolation game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., with the women's championship slated for 6 p.m. The women's tournament began in 1978 and has been held virtually every year since. In the 1990s, host Salisbury State finished as the runner-up the first three years and then won the next three championships. The Sea Gulls have a total of seven first place finishes and eight second place finishes. SSU won last year's tournament championship with an 89-78 victory over Newport News in the final. The tournament schedule:
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