Season Outlook

Led by returning tri-captains Greg Donohue, Ryan Glennon, and Michael Saraceni, the 2000 Exeter lacrosse team is potentially one of the strongest teams in recent Exeter history. This year’s team is a wonderful combination of returning veterans, talented newcomers, and some rising players from a solid JV team. Our goal is to improve upon the outstanding 13-4 record of last year’s team.

The attack will be tough to handle because last year’s leading scorer and All-American Michael Saraceni will be returning to resume his assault on the all-time scoring records for the Academy. Michael will be able to count on senior veteran Alden Kinder and returning lowers Ryan Voccola and Luke Nutting to put pressure on opposing defenses. New lower Colin Thune is also expected to be a significant contributor.

The key to the midfield this year is tremendous depth. Ryan Glennon and All-American Joaquin Walker shared runner up honors in scoring last year, and are expected to produce considerable offense from out front. Returning middies Andrew Sung, Peter Monroe, and Mike Salvatoriello, all played important roles last year, so they will be key players to watch. Post graduates Damien Chaviano and Dave Seger have considerable talent and firepower and will be immediate impact players as well. In addition to returners Andrew Dodwell and Eli Colby, there are several new middies who will be fighting it out for spots on the top midfields. Look for Exeter to play an up-tempo game and run at least three midfield lines.

Exeter returns two of the three long sticks that started the final Andover game last year. Greg Donohue is not only a captain, but he will be expected to anchor the defense and take on the opponent’s top attackman. Big Ben Courchesne is in great shape, has a year of varsity experience under his belt, and is ready for the challenges of being a starter. Post-graduate Will Gilmore is a possible third starter, but he will be hard pressed by the impressive Adam White. Will is a big rugged athlete who has experience at defense that will be a big help to this unit. Adam has converted from short stick middie, and will see a great deal of playing time at both close defense and long stick middie.

The goal is in good hands with returning veteran Brian Anand as the projected starter. Brian is only an upper, but he started a few games as a prep, and he started every game last year as a lower. He will need to become even more of a leader and strong voice on the field because his defensive unit is not as experienced as last year. He will be pushed by Jeff Miller, a quick and talented lower goalie who was the jv starter last year.

The potential is certainly there for a great season. It will be fun to see how the 2000 team comes together and just how close they can come to meeting the high expectations that exist on the part of the players and coaches.