Head to Head: Experience and leadership will drive men's lacrosse to CAA title
by Michael LoRe
Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: Sports
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The win improved the Hens' conference record to 3-2 and 8-5 overall. This time last year, the Hens were 2-3 in the CAA and still made it to the finals against Hofstra - losing 12-6.
With a core squad of experienced upperclassmen, the Hens have a chance to reach the finals again this year, and possibly win the tournament. Upperclassmen like Dan Deckelbaum, Cam Howard, Jordan Hall, Alex Smith and Tommy Scherr were all part of the 2005 team that was runner-up in the CAA Tournament and received a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
With that playoff experience, these seniors will have a greater impact in this year's postseason.
Besides the upperclassmen, look for sophomore Chris Hichborn and freshmen Kevin Kaminski and Curtis Dickson to be influential for the Hens as well. Though he's only started five games this season, Hichborn has played in every game and is fifth on the team with 16 points, including 12 goals. Kaminski and Dickson follow closely with 13 and 10 goals respectively.
The Hens have shined in the first period this season and they must start strong in CAA Tournament games. Delaware has scored 38 goals in 84 shots on goal in the first period this year.
As strong as the Hens can start, one of their problems this year is finishing strong. They have less shots on goal in the fourth period than any other.
The Hens experienced some heartbreakers, especially the April 11 loss against Towson. Senior defenseman Rob Smith's stick was declared illegal and he was sent to the penalty box for three minutes, during which the Tigers scored three goals on the way to a 10-9 victory. Delaware must perform better in the clutch to win in the postseason.
But since that loss, the Hens are 2-0, winning 19-18 over Villanova and 12-9 against Sacred Heart. If Delaware can win its final game at Robert Morris, it will have momentum when the conference tournament starts May 2.
Even though Delaware does not have an impressive record compared to recent years, the Hens could make an impact this postseason. The Hens have been ranked in the top 20 all year long and have played tough opponents like Georgetown, Duke and Albany.
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