May 18, 2007. Vol 82 Iss. 16.
The Salem State Log
Vikings Lacrosse has winning touch in PCLL Playoffs
The Salem State men's lacrosse team earned themselves the number one seed in last weekends Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League Playoffs, and they showed the crowds that gathered at the University of New Hampshire why. The Vikings (15-2) beat both the UMaine Black Bears and the Framingham State College Rams to capture the PCLL title for the second year in a row.
After watching Framingham upset New Haven (CT) in the opening game, Salem faced off against UMaine in a semi-final matchup on Saturday afternoon, the Vikings played to a comfortable victory of 10-2. Captain Ross Arnold led the Salem offense with five assists, while attackmen Torey Nicholson and midfielder Alex Verity each recorded a hat trick for the Vikings. Captain Dan Sullivan continued to produce for the dominant Salem club, scoring twice from attack. Midfielders Nate Snow and Jason Beinvenue each scored once for the Vikings and Rob Basile went a perfect seven for seven at the faceoff. Sal Silva picked up an assist, playing an outstanding game on all sides of the field. Freshman Derek Buckley and Ryan Civielo stepped up as defensive midfielders for Salem, and standout goalie Kieth Hardy had another stellar game in net, stopping 16 of the 18 shots taken by the Black Bears offense.
Salem returned to UNH on Sunday to put the final touches on a nine game win streak and the best record in school history. the Vikings defeated Framingham State 15-10, in a game that was much closer than the one played just a day before. Keith Hardy had another amazing game in the goal, making 21 stops in the win. Salem's attack-trio of Torey Nicholson (4 assists), Ross Arnold (2,2), and Dan Sullivan (5 goals) once again took control of the high powered Viking offense. Chris Heenan (3 goals) and Nate Snow (2,1) led the Salem midfield, which also saw a tremendous effort from Alex Verity (1,1). Sal Silva and Marc Duran also scored goals for the back to back PCLL Champions. The Viking longpoles; Gavin Walsh, Matt Artz, Mark Wilkie, Kyle Cregg, Kyle Meehan, Cam Morrissette, Chris Andreotes, Mike Fitzgerald and Mike Carpenito all proved equal to the task of containing the PCLL Offensive Player of the Year, Framingham's Jim Hannafin.
The PCLL also announced its year end awards and all-conference selections over the weekend. Eight players were selected to represent Salem State College in the league's all-star game, which will be held on Alumni Field at the Okeefe Center. Keith Hardy, Dan Sullivan, Torey Nicholson and Gavin Walsh earned first team all-conference honors while Ross Arnold, Sal Silva, Rob Basile and Chris Andreotes got the nod for the second team. Senior captian Gavin Walsh was named PCLL Defensive Player of the Year for his ability to control Salem's defense and shut down potential scoring threats. The core of the Viking's lacrosse team, Treavor Eaton, was named Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. Eaton's recognition is much deserved, because his dedication to the program spans far beyond just winning lacrosse games; He is training men to succeed in life.