2020 Men's Lacrosse Preview

Third-year head coach Eric Small of the Salem State's men's lacrosse program looks to have a stronger year after finishing 3-11 last season and 1-7 in the Little East (LEC).

2019-2020 OUTLOOK

The Vikings will look to turn around the program by reaching a .500 record with adjustments to their defense and helping the new players on the roster fit into their roles.

KEY PLAYERS

Senior captain Tyler Billouin (Bedford, Mass.) returns after finishing last season with 16 ground balls and 21 caused turnovers. In Billouin's final season at Salem State, he is excited to get on the field and compete, and to teach the younger players how to dedicate themselves by having a good work ethic.

Senior captain Zach Persson (Danvers, Mass.) was responsible for nine points last season including seven goals and two assists. With a lot of new players on the roster, Persson is looking forward to playing with his new teammates. 

Junior captain Nick Quirk (Fitchburg, Mass.) scored 10 goals and had three assists in 11 games last season. Last season, the Vikings struggled to put points on the board, but Quirk said that the coaches added a few new offensive weapons to help the team improve their goal scoring. 

Junior captain Doug Gibbs (Reading, Mass.) looks to build on last season's performance of 14 caused turnovers and five ground balls. Gibbs pointed out that to improve defensively, communication will be very important. Gibbs and his teammates look to set the tone in the season opener against Rivier. 

NEWCOMERS

This season a host of new players will be competing for playing time. They are attackmen: freshman Preston Dougherty (Upton, Mass.), freshmen Danny Antonellis (Westfield, Mass.), Andrew Kotsifas (Lowell, Mass.), Aristomenis Koumentakos (Westfield, Mass.) Morgan Magee (Cambridge, Mass.), Zach Rufo (Malden, Mass.), Joshua Williamson (Mattapan, Mass.), and junior transfer Mitch Wilkins (Uxbridge, Mass.) will be in the midfield. Additions to the defense include freshman Jared Davis (Shrewsbury, Mass.) and junior transfer Evan Ferriere (Newburyport, Mass.). Freshman Jonathan Crutchfield (Boylston, Mass.) will be joining the team in goal.