The 2002 Bobcats return eight of their top nine scorers. Senior attackmen Jack Sandler (Hicksville, N.Y.) and Dave Frederick (Hartford, Conn.) , one and two in points in 2001, lead one of the NESCAC's most explosive units. Sandler passed the 100 goal mark as a junior. Sophomores Peter Fedullo (Williamson, N.Y.), Brad Frost (Winchester, Mass.) and Scott Duddy (Concord, N.H.) gained valuable big game experience as rookies. The Bates midfield will be led by veterans Pat Gaughan '02 (Duxbury, Mass.), Matt Winterle '02 (Duxbury, Mass.) and Jeff Critchlow '03 (Concord, Mass.). Lasagna believes that all three can be All-NESCAC performers in 2002. Face-off specialist Ben Clements '04 (Ligonier, Pa.) and classmates John Sullivan (Concord, N.H.) and Chris Eckhoff (Wolfboro, N.H.) add size and athletic ability to the midfield. Goalie Mark Dobbyn '03 (Warren,R.I.) returns to anchor one of the league's stingiest defenses. Senior Morgan McDuffee (Lexington, Mass.), junior Colin Wyatt (Annapolis, Md.) and sophomores John Saunders (Radnor, Pa.) and Ryan Taylor (Yarmouth, Maine) head a talented, deep group of defenders.

The Bates Lacrosse program recruits on a national level, attracting the most qualified student-athletes in the country. "NESCAC lacrosse and Bates College are very hot," observes Lasagna. "The class of 2005 was the most selective in Bates history." The Bobcats' roster includes players from throughout New England, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia. The drive and focus that characterize Bates Lacrosse players enable them to thrive on and off the athletic field. A supportive faculty, superb resources and a dynamic curriculum allow each student-athlete to explore his potential in every way.

Bates players and coaches possess a passion for the game. From fall captain's practices and preseason conditioning to the spring season, enthusiasm and energy pervade the program. The coaches design individual action plans to help each player improve his skills, speed and strength. "We start with the premise that everyone wants to perform at the highest level. We provide the tools and the support for them to attain their team and individual goals," says Lasagna. Bates plays a fast-paced, transition style that depends on sound team defense, aggressive riding and shared purpose on offense.

The Bobcats' preseason begins in February with a warm-weather training trip and games against top Division III opponents. Last season Bates traveled to Whittier, Calif., and UCLA. The 2002 campaign starts with southern practices and a game against powerful Washington and Lee. 2002 marks the first year of full NESCAC play for Bates lacrosse. The top four teams will qualify for the NESCAC tournament and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA championships. The Bobcats use their state-of-the-art AstroTurf field for practice and games. Merrill Gymnasium provides an excellent, indoor practice space. The Davis Fitness Center gives Bates' players one of the league's finest weight rooms.

Coach Peter Lasagna (plasagna@bates.edu)recently completed his first season as men's lacrosse coach at Bates. He spent the previous 18 years at his alma mater, Brown University, including the last eight as head coach. Lasagna compiled a 65-51 record as head coach of the Bears, winning two Ivy league crowns and reaching three NCAA Division I tournaments during his tenure. His postseason appearances included Brown's first berth in the national semifinals in 1994 and the national quarterfinals in 1995. He was named USILA Division I Coach of the Year in 1994. A Baltimore native, Lasagna was general manager of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League's Boston Blazers from 1990-1992. Lasagna and his wife Holly reside in Auburn with their son Deacon and daughter Carmen.

	©2001 Bates College. All Rights Reserved. Last modified: 6/22/01 by asl