College Men’s Lacrosse News – Guilford Men PIcked Sixth in ODAC Preseason Poll

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) released its preseason Men’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Poll Wednesday. Guilford’s men were picked sixth by the league’s head lacrosse coaches for the 2015 season. Lynchburg College clinched the number one spot with eight first-place votes and 79 points overall. Washington and Lee University and Hampden-Sydney College rounded out the top three with 67 and 65 points, respectively.

The Quakers come into 2015 with a 9-6 overall record from last season and 3-6 in ODAC play. They carry the momentum of a three-game winning streak that closed out the 2014 season. At the forefront of Guilford’s attack is junior and 2014 Second Team All-ODAC honoree Adam Fiore, who last year finished second in the league with 42 assists. Fiore’s 75 points ranked fourth in the ODAC and fifth-best in school history. Senior Thomas Deane, a third-team all-conference honoree, protects the goal after leading the conference in saves percentage (59.8%). Sophomore Rufus Terry locks down the midfield and last year was one of only two freshmen named to the All-ODAC team. With two years of experience under his belt, junior Connor Manning returns in his role as face-off specialist. In addition to these key starters, coach Tom Carmean’s squad returns 38 players.

The Quakers get their first taste of action when they welcome NCAA Division II Catawba College in a Feb. 6 exhibition. Guilford officially opens the season Feb. 21 versus Birmingham Southern College in Roswell, Ga. The Quakers’ first home game is Feb. 28 against St. Mary’s (Md.) University.

2015 ODAC MEN’S LACROSSE PRESEASON POLL
(#) Denotes First Place Votes
1. Lynchburg (8) 79
2. Washington and Lee (1) 67
3T. Hampden-Sydney 65
3T. Roanoke (1) 65
5. Virginia Wesleyan 45
6. Guilford 41
7. Randolph-Macon 37
8. Bridgewater 17
8T. Randolph 17
8T. Shenandoah 17.