Laxmen Hold High Hopes for Ivy Season

Captains: Michael Bergmann, Bil. Pennoyer, and Richard van den Broek

1987 Record: 10-4 overall, 4-2 Ivies

Current Record: 2-0 overall, 1-0 Ivies

Home Games: Ohiri Field

The Harvard men's lacrosse team--ranked 15th in a national poll--has high aspirations for this year.

Last season the team posted a 10-4 record and tied for second-place in the Ivy league, and first-year Coach Scott Anderson believes this year's team can improve on last year's respectable record.

"Last year we had a small differential in goals for and goals against, but we still had a good record," said Anderson. "Our defense will be even stronger this year. Now our offense has to live up to its potential. If we don't rely on our defense so much we'll do a lot better."

With three tri-captains playing in the backfield, the Crimson's defense should still be extremely strong.

Tri-Captain Michael Bergmann, who will start in the nets for Harvard, posted the best save percentage in Division I lacrosse last year.

"He's an inspiration to our kids," Anderson said. "We play pretty conservative defense, it's nice to know you can give up a lot of shots and not pay for it."

"He's a wall," said Dan O'Sullivan, a freshman midfielder.

Bergmann will get a lot of help. Tri-Captain Bill Pennoyer, an All-American standout, will be called upon to anchor the Crimson defense.

"He's no doubt one of the best players in the nation," Anderson said. "There's usually one player on every team that dominates the offense. It's nice to have someone who can neutralize anybody, all the time."

Tri-Captain Richard van der Broek and senior Brian McGinley will also provide valuable support as first line defenders, while sophomores Chris Bentley and Michael Murphy and junior Andy Barnard comprise the second-line defense.

The Crimson's midfield is led by the steady hands of junior Rob Griffith, a native of Garden City, N.Y., who is the best cutter and one of the best clearers on the team.

"Rob is one of the best all-around players on the team," Anderson said. "He could play for any Division 1 school.

Harvard's first-line midfield is further beefed up by sophomore Perry Dodge and junior Steve Lux, who is known for his play off the ball. Dodge, a native of Radnor, Pa, has assumed his role with great confidence.

"Last year, as a freshman, Perry was thrown into a big role," Anderson said. "He came into this season with a lot more confidence."

Harvard's midfield has some new faces this year. Freshmen Dan O'Sullivan and Tim Reilly, both of whom have played in superior lacrosse programs in New York, will be called upon to make contributions. Second-line midfielders are Reilly, sophomore Mark Donovan and senior Dean Graham. Donovan takes all the face-offs for the Crimson.

The Crimson attack is led by junior creaseman Brad Raymond and sophomore sharpshooter David Kramer. Raymond, a native of Foster, RI, led the team last year with an impressive 28 goals, while Kramer fired in 17.

"[Kramer's] got great field sense, and is definitely the best shooter on the team," Anderson said.

Raymond and Kramer will be joined by senior Nick Nero and freshman Mickey Cavuoti, a Junior World team selection, who is considered the top recruit on the team.

"Mickey has added a lot to our offense," Anderson said. "He's a great one-on-one player."

Harvard's strong defense combined with the offense's great potential to score provides the Crimson laxmen with a bright future. With this in mind, Harvard can only look forward to good things.

"My goal for this year's team is to be more aggressive," said Anderson. "I want them to dominate more in the games they expect to win."

Thus far, the men's team has looked impressive. The squad has jumped out to a 2-0 start, compiling victories over C.W. Post and Cornell. Kramer scored two goals in the first win, while Cavouti scored a pair in Saturday's upset victory over the Big Red, last year's runner-up for the NCAA crown.

The defense has been especially strong. Pennoyer shut down Cornell's Tim Goldstein, the 1987 NCAA Player of the Year. In addition, the long-stick group has provided the winning goal in both one-goal victories. Bentley scored the decisive goal in the 5-4 victory over Post, while van den Broek tallied with eight seconds left to lift the Crimson over Cornell, 7-6. 1988 MEN'S LACROSSE SCHEDULE

March Tue. 22  BOSTON COLLEGE Sat. 26  SPRINGFIELD

April Sat. 2  at Pennsylvania Wed. 6  VERMONT Mon. 11  ST. JOHN'S Sat. 16  ADELPHI Wed. 20  at Brown Sat. 23  PRINCETON Wed. 27  at UMass Sat. 30  at Yale

May Wed. 4  at New Hampshire Sat. 14  DARTMOUTH