2013: Men's Lacrosse Season in Review

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. -- Take a look back at one of the most memorable seasons in program history.

Entering the season, the task ahead for the Finger Lakes Community College men's lacrosse team appeared daunting. The Lakers had eight nationally ranked teams penciled in on their schedule; and four of the remaining ten opponents on the schedule finished the previous season with winning records.

However, apparently, not daunting enough. The Lakers managed to exceed all expectations this season, finishing with a program-best 11 wins and 10 losses. The .523 win percentage marked the first time in school history that the Lakers finished with an above .500 record.

After eight games, the Finger Lakes Community College men's lacrosse team recorded two wins and six losses. The Lakers were able to defeat Army Prep and Jefferson Community College on the road, but dropped games to unranked Union County Community College, Navy Prepatory School, and Brookdale Community College. During the stretch, the Lakers also dropped games to No. 1 Onondaga Community College, No. 5 Harford Community College, and No. 6 Suffolk County Community College.

But, after numerous cancellations and postponements, the Lakers returned home on March 26th to host Mohawk Valley Community College at Laker Lacrosse Field. The Lakers defeated the Hawks, 23-3. 

The Lakers would rattle off another eight victories in succession. The nine-game win streak marked a program-best for consecutive victories in an individual season. The Lakers topped Niagara County Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Alfred State College, Hudson Valley Community College, Herkimer County Community College, Mercyhurst North East, and regional opponents Cayuga Community College and Broome Community College during the streak.

The streak would come to an end at Monroe Community College. Termed an 'incredible effort' by head coach David Stein, the Lakers dropped a tight contest with the No. 8 Tribunes, 13-11.

Over the course of the nine game win streak, the Lakers raked up a set of noteworthy statistics. During the streak, the Lakers defeated opponents by 10.4 goals per game. The team held opponents to just 7.4 goals per game, and the man down squad killed off 54 of 58 chances.

After falling to Monroe Community College, the Lakers would finish the regular season with consecutive losses to No. 2 Genesee Community College and No. 8 SUNY Delhi, 17-3, and 10-8, respectively.

The Lakers traveled to Delhi, N.Y. for sub-regional play. Despite leading 2-1 after the opening quarter, the Lakers fell 10-7, and were eliminated from regional contention.

The Lakers possessed one of the nation's most potent offenses. Jack Timerson, Robert Pelkey, and Parker Weeks combined for 288 points on the season. Timerson led the NJCAA with 79 goals and 120 points during the regular season. Pelkey recorded 91 points on 66 goals and 25 assists; his 91 points are almost five times as many points as he recorded at the conclusion of his first year. Weeks broke the Finger Lakes Community College individual season record for assists with 48. The Canandaigua, N.Y. native also tallied 26 goals.

The Finger Lakes Community College midfield impressed this season, as well. Albert Thompson continued his consistent play, posting a career-high 48 points on 23 goals and 25 assists. Thomas Loudon and newcomer Joshua Spence developed a scoring touch. Loudon finished the season with 18 goals, while Spence recorded 22 goals. Alex Thoms added a tenacious defensive presence, causing six turnovers. Brandon Grace won a NJCAA best 249 faceoffs this season.

On defense, Finger Lakes Community College observed a talented young group of first year players mature. Jake Smith, Cullen Smith, Kyle Grove, and David Milliman anchored the Finger Lakes Community College throughout the year. The group contributed to the team's 11.71 GAA, which ranked twelfth-best amongst NJCAA teams. The Lakers also ranked sixth in the NJCAA with 54 caused turnovers, and fourth in the NJCAA with 604 ground balls. Individually, Jake Smith led the team with 81 ground balls, while Milliman led the team with nine caused turnovers.

In goal, John Perrucci provided the Lakers with outstanding play. The Myrtle Beach, S.C. native started every game in goal and led the nation with 304 saves and 11 victories. Freshman Matthew Ebanez proved competent within the back-up role. Ebanez made 33 saves in 146:22 of action.

At the conclusion of the season, numerous men's lacrosse players received praise for their season contributions. In addition to being named to the Region-III team, Timerson was also tabbed as an All-MSAC selection. Smith was named to the Region-III second team, and was also penciled in as an All-MSAC selection. Pelkey, Weeks, and Perrucci received Region III honorable mentions, while also making the All-MSAC squad.

Outside of the five players listed, several other Lakers were honored by Region III. Thoms, Grace, Thompson, Loudon, Grove, Milliman, and Cullen Smith each received an honorable mention for the team.

The outlook for 2014 remains optimistic. While Finger Lakes Community College will lose several top talents to matriculation, look for coach David Stein to complement his sophomore-laden defense and midfield with talented recruits.