Johns Hopkins tabs freshman goalie for second straight start
Bassett, who became only the fifth true freshman to start in the cage since 1972, finished with six saves, and coach Dave Pietramala confirmed that Bassett will remain the starter.
“I don’t think we can afford to keep going back and forth and keep these guys in limbo each week. I think that would be unfair to all of them,” Pietramala said. “Pierce did a solid job. I’m sure if you asked him, he’d probably say, ‘Gosh, I wish I had a couple of those back.’ … I thought he showed some poise and composure, and he did a good job. Can he play better? I absolutely think Pierce is capable of playing better. But was he the reason why we lost? No, absolutely not. I thought he did a solid job.”
Bassett replaced senior Michael Gvozden, who had been the team’s undisputed starter since he succeeded Jesse Schwartzman prior to the 2008 season. Pietramala said Gvozden, a Severna Park native and graduate, has been a model teammate.
“I’m sure he’s very disappointed, but it’s a decision that we’ve made and one that we think is in the best interest of the team,” Pietramala said. “Michael, while very disappointed and wishing that the situation was different, has been extremely supportive of not just Pierce, but of all the other goalies. He’s the first to greet Pierce when Pierce walks off the field, and as I told Michael, Pierce looks up to him. … He’s still a freshman, and he still looks up to the senior. So the support of that senior is critical, and Michael – in practices and in games – has done what you hope a good teammate would do.”
Comments
Bad decision. Hop can beat Albany with my grandmother in goal. Bassett was overmatched against UNC, and will be overmatched the rest of the way. As usual, Petro is blaming his goalie for poor offensive play. He should worry more about stupid turnovers on offense and bad shot selection.
Posted by: Chris | April 9, 2010 12:05 PM
Very true. We are watching one of the worst Jays offenses in years, but it's the goalie's fault.
Posted by: Dunk | April 10, 2010 10:46 AM
Reading the above posts, its a " who to blame slugfest " going on.
Hop's problems are not in goal or " O " exclusively. Listening to ESPN , I think I get a way different perspective. Quinn/Miller never talk about team play for Hop b/c there isn't . JHU has talent all over the field but no unit play, period.
Petro is reaching for straws at this point
Short of firing the coach, this is it, for moves.
Posted by: freeline | April 12, 2010 11:37 AM
If it's the goalie's fault, then let's analyze the freshman's play. Once again he was overmatched. Luckily, Albany has no clue this year, so Hop got the win. It's going to be a vastly different story against Maryland. I'd rather have a senior with three years of starting experience than a true freshman who's never faced east coast lax talent. Firing Petro might not be a bad move. Coaching by fear is not going to work anymore.
Posted by: Chris | April 13, 2010 3:19 PM