Falcons Host Providence to Open 2008 Season
2/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Feb. 22, 2008
The Air Force lacrosse team opens its 2008 season at home, hosting Providence College in a non-conference match-up on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The game is slated to start at 3:00 p.m. at Cadet Lacrosse Stadium.
Scouting the Falcons...
Air Force, which went 2-10 last season, look to rebuild in 2008 after losing three of its top four scorers from a year ago to graduation. Returning to lead the Falcons' offense in 2008 are junior Griffin Nevitt, a preseason honorable mention All-American, and senior co-captain Kevin Crumrine.
Meanwhile, the defense returns some key figures in senior co-captain Lukas Fisher and junior David Mackintosh, as well as junior long-stick midfielder Dan Gnazzo. However, there will be a new face in goal for the Falcons, as senior Clayton Cruickshank battles with freshmen Woody Johnson, Kyle Rich and Brian Wilson for the starting spot.
Scouting the Friars...
Tuesday's game will be the second of the season for Providence, which will open the season Saturday, Feb. 23, at home against Fairfield.
The Friars compiled a 7-10 record in 2007 and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to eventual runner-up Duke.
Among the leading returnees for the Friars are Devin McBride and Bennett Murphy. McBride and Murphy each scored a team-leading 21 goals in 2007, while adding six and five assists, respectively.
The Teams...
• Air Force will be playing in its first game of the season.
• Providence will be playing in its second game of the season after opening with a contest versus Fairfield on Feb. 23.
The Coaches...
• Air Force is coached by Fred Acee, in his 11th season with the Falcons. Acee holds a 347-214-1 career record (40 years) and a 35-95 mark at the Academy.
• Providence is coached by Chris Burdick, in his ninth season at the helm of the Friars' program. Burdick holds a 67-78 career record at PC.
Series Records...
Air Force and Providence have met twice before, with each team winning a contest. Air Force won the first meeting between the two teams, a 9-8 overtime decision in 2001, while Providence won the last meeting, an 8-7 contest in 2002.
Season Openers...
The Falcons are 28-13 all-time in season openers and have won three of their last four season openers.
Air Force opens the season at home for the second year in a row and just the third time since 2002. It also marks the second straight year the Falcons have started the season against an opponent from the MAAC. The Falcons picked up an 11-7 home win over Siena to start the 2007 season.
Preseason All-American...
Junior Griffin Nevitt became the latest Air Force lacrosse player to earn preseason All-America honors. Nevitt, a native of Charlotte, N.C., was named a preseason honorable mention All-America selection by Face-Off Yearbook. Nevitt, who scored 19 goals and 15 assists last season, was a first-team All-GWLL selection at midfield in 2007.
Keep the Streak Alive...
Junior Griffin Nevitt will look to keep his scoring streak alive this week, as the midfielder has scored at least one goal or assist in 25 consecutive games. Nevitt, who has 45 goals and 24 assists in his career, has scored in 27 of 28 games in his first two seasons.
New in Net...
For a second straight season, the Falcons will have to find a new starter at the goalkeeper position. Senior Clayton Cruickshank, who has played in one game in his career, is the only goalie with collegiate experience. Meanwhile, freshmen Woody Johnson, Kyle Rich and Brian Wilson will compete with Cruickshank for the starting spot.
Up Next...
Air Force visits service academy rival Army next weekend, March 1. The Falcons and Black Knights will face off at 12:00 p.m. (ET) at Michie Stadium.
