UMBC preview
Today's entry is the third of a week-long series taking a look at each of the seven Division I programs in this state. While the previous two previews of Mount St. Mary's and Towson were based on order of finish last season, we've had to change it up due to difficulties getting in touch with other coaches. So tune in Monday for a preview of a team to be determined, and The Sun's lacrosse preview is slated to be published on Friday, Feb. 12. Today is UMBC's turn.
Overview: The Retrievers advanced to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament and captured their third America East title in the last four years. Despite deficiencies at the face-off position, UMBC rode the talent of its first midfield line and nearly upended North Carolina in the first round. The team has re-loaded, but conference rivals Stony Brook and Albany have also improved and are poised to end the Retrievers’ dominance.Reason for optimism: After leaning on the midfield to power the offense, it’s the attack unit that brings the most promise this season. Seniors Matt Latham, a Liberty graduate, registered 27 goals and five assists, and senior Chris Jones posted 21 goals and 10 assists as a starter. Junior Rob Grimm chipped in with 10 goals and 17 assists, and coach Don Zimmerman is encouraged by the progress of freshmen Scott Jones and Matt Gregoire (South River). "We’ve got good numbers," Zimmerman said. "We feel it’s a combination of guys with experience and younger guys who can come in, step in, learn and not be thrown into the fire."
Keep an eye on: The face-off position suffered greatly from the graduation of Taylor Marino. Sophomore Justin Radebaugh (Boys' Latin), junior J.D. Harkey and senior Kyle Wimer contributed to a position that won just 41.7 percent of its face-offs. Harkey is back after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, and freshmen Joe Impallaria (Calvert Hall) and Neill Lewnes (St. Mary's) will contribute, but the onus lies with Radebaugh, who won 119 of 257 face-offs for a .463 percentage. "He’s more focused and playing with a better understanding of what his role will be," Zimmerman said. "He needs to continue to work hard and be in great shape and be ready to battle."
What he said: Losing Peet Poillon and Alex Hopmann and their combined 62 goals and 29 assists is no picnic, but it may be a blessing in disguise. The offense may have relied on Poillon, Hopmann and current senior Kyle Wimer (24, 18) too much, according to Zimmerman. "I think what we need to do is try to balance and come up with two midfield units versus throwing all of our eggs in that first midfield basket," he said. "That was a special midfield, no doubt about it. But down the stretch when it started to get warmer and when we were playing in the NCAAs, I think not having a solid second midfield hurt us. So what we’re trying to do is instead of having one dynamite unit, trying to balance it off and have two equal units."
