Thunder Picked Fourth in MIAA Preseason Poll

FREELAND, Mich.-- The Trine men's lacrosse team was picked to finish fourth in the MIAA in the league's preseason poll, released Tuesday.

The Thunder received votes totaling 20 points in the poll. Coaches could not vote for their own team. Trine is coming off a season in which the Thunder finished in a three-way tie for third in the MIAA. The team earned the no. 3 seed in the MIAA Tournament, where they were ousted by Albion. Trine has finished third in the MIAA in each of the two seasons the conference has sponsored men's lacrosse.

Trine returns 87 percent of its scoring from last season, led by juniors Chris Ward (Oak Lawn, Ill./St. Rita), G.T. Youpel (Chicago Ridge, Ill./St. Rita) and Paul Carlquist (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South). Ward scored a team-high 35 goals on his way to First-Team All-MIAA honors. The trio of returning leading scorers combined for over 70 goals last season.

Anchoring the defense is First-Team All-MIAA performer Jordan Backer (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville). The junior's long reach gives the Thunder a disruptive force along the back line.

Trine will have some big shoes to fill in the faceoff circle with the graduation of Second-Team All-MIAA performer Rob Brzezinski. The Thunder will also be looking for one of four goalies on the roster to step forward and claim the starting job.

The regular-season opens Wednesday, Feb. 25 when Trine travels to Benedictine College to face Beloit in a neutral-site game. First face-off is set for 7 p.m. EST (6 p.m. local).

The Thunder will also host a special benefit for Rett Syndrome at the Mar. 21 game against Muskingum. For information on the benefit, click HERE. For the complete schedule, click HERE.

The complete results of the MIAA Preseason Poll are listed below.