By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/1/09

Episcopal Academy senior defenseman Jackson Place has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse at Bucknell University.

Place was a US Lacrosse All-American and a Second Team All-Phillylacrosse.com pick in 2009 when he helped the Churchmen finish 13-8 and take third in the Inter-Ac League.

Place plans on majoring in business. He also considered Notre Dame, Georgetown, Yale and Virginia.

“Bucknell seemed like a great fit, and it has a real college atmosphere,” said Place, who plays club lacrosse for Mesa Fresh 2010. “I think I am going to be able to make an impact there.”

Photo by Scott Growney

Last year the Bison – normally ranked in the Top 20 – went 9-7 and fell to Navy in the Patriot League

championship game. Place believes Bucknell can be an NCAA contender.

“When I talk to the coaches and players, everybody is fired up about the program,” he said. “They are ready to make a push in the top 10

“They use a very active defense and the close defensemen play one-on-one. I kind of like that.”

Place is confident the Churchmen can again compete with last year’s Inter-Ac co-champions, Haverford School and Malvern Prep. Last year EA went 5-3 in the league, falling one game behind the leaders.

“Last year was a good year and we’re hoping to do even better,” Place said. “We’re going in the right direction. We return our whole defense and a lot of offense, and we’re hoping to contend with Haverford School and Malvern Prep.”

What will it take to contend for a league crown in one of the toughest leagues in the region?

“We just have to work harder than them,” Place said.

Tags: Episcopal Academy