FREELAND, Mich. -- The Trine men's lacrosse team was picked to finish third in the MIAA in the conference's preseason poll, released today.
The Thunder received votes totaling 35 points in the poll. A total of six points separated the teams ranked two through four in the poll. The poll is voted on by the conference's coaches, who cannot vote for their own team. Trine finished last season 8-6 overall and a program-best 5-2 in league action. The team returns one All-MIAA performer from last year's squad.
Leading scorer Nick Maher (DeWitt, Mich. / DeWitt) returns after earning All-MIAA Second Team honors last spring. The junior notched 38 points on 28 goals and 10 assists last year. Other key offensive threats returning include midfielder Neil Orr (Lombard, Ill. / Montini Catholic) and Kevan Barissi (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forrest Hills Central).
Trine will be looking to continue last season's excellence on the defensive end. The Thunder ranked ninth in the nation in scoring defense, allowing a stingy 6.86 goals per game. Trine allowed two fewer goals per game in MIAA play than any other team in the conference. The team also finished 14th in the nation in man-down defense.
Alex Jamieson (Hartland, Wis. / Arrowhead) is Trine's returning leader in caused turnovers. Aaron Warner (League City, Texas / Clear Springs) and Nik Sucevic (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester Adams) also earned starting experience last year.
Jordan Lelito (West Chicago, Ill. / West Chicago) also figures to be a key player with his role on the face-off. Lelito won 56.3 percent of his face-off attempts last year.
The Thunder open the season Wednesday, Mar. 1 at home against Mount St. Joseph. Face-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MIAA play opens when the team hosts Alma Saturday, Apr. 8.
The complete results of the MIAA Preseason Poll can be found below.
MIAA Preseason Men's Lacrosse Poll
Place. Team, Points (First-Place Votes)
1. Albion, 49 (7)
2. Alma, 39
3. Trine, 35
4. Hope, 33 (1)
5. Olivet, 26
6. Adrian, 20
7. Kalamazoo, 12
8. Calvin, 10