Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/11/12
From Press Release and Staff Report
Following the program’s first ever Patriot League Tournament Championship, the Lehigh men’s lacrosse team held its annual awards banquet on Sunday, Sept. 30. The luncheon included an awards ceremony where head coach Kevin Cassese announced the team’s annual award winners. In addition, the Mountain Hawks looked back at the 2012 season, honored the senior class of 2012, distributed championship rings and more.
Lehigh posted a 14-3 overall record last season, including 5-1 in league play. The 14 wins marked a school record, with nine coming over ranked opponents. The Mountain Hawks defeated Colgate in a wild Patriot League Championship Game, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history where they earned the #7 seed and hosted Maryland out of the ACC.
Roman Lao-Gosney was named the team’s Athlete of the Year following a tremendous season. The co-captain posted a career-high 26 points behind 20 goals and six assists. Lao-Gosney was named a First Team All-Patriot League honoree and Third Team All-American. He currently plays in Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton Nationals alongside his twin brother Cameron.
Baxter Lanius earned Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors. Lanius posted a perfect 4.0 GPA last spring and currently owns a 3.6 cumulative GPA as a Finance major. A member of the Dean’s List last fall and spring, Lanius has earned the Faculty Athletics Council Award. On the field, the defenseman played in eight games for the Mountain Hawks, picking up four groundballs and causing a turnover.
At Saturday’s 6th Annual Nick Colleluori Classic, the Mountain Hawks expressed how high their expectations are for 2013 when Drexel University will host the NCAA Final Four Weekend at Lincoln Financial Field. Last year Lehigh fell on a late goal to eventual finalist Maryland in the first round of their first NCAA playoff trip.
“To be sure, our expactions are the Final Four this year, and once we get their our goal is a national championship,” said Lehigh senior defenseman Mike Noone (La Salle) at the Nick Colleluori Classic on Saturday. “I think we embrace it (the pressure); it’s like having a target on our back. Everyone is going to get up when they play us and we have to stay focused.
“We learned what it took (to win) last year. This year will be different, we won’t be considered the underdog. We need to be on our game every game.”
Gage Flint received the Coaches Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and work ethic, both on and off the field. After a 17-7 setback to Villanova, Flint called a players’ only meeting which immediately propelled the Mountain Hawks to a school-record nine straight wins. He played in seven games as a defenseman and picked up three groundballs while causing two turnovers.
Towards the end of the luncheon, Cassese announced senior Brian Hess as the team’s initial captain for the upcoming 2013 season.
“Brian has emerged as a high-level leader for this lacrosse team,” said Cassese. “He has continually had a positive influence on the members of this team and the entire Lehigh Lacrosse family. He can lead with his voice when the situation calls for it and he always sets a high example with his actions, day in and day out.”
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