MLax 2016

[UAFAN]

DI Men's Player of the Year Watch, May 5

6. Connor Fields, A, So., Albany (39G, 29A in 14 games)

Third in DI in points per game, Fields has proved to be the dual-threat maestro he was projected to be after a remarkable freshman season running alongside Lyle Thompson. He deserves even more credit than one might notice at first glance because, while senior Seth Oakes is a known quantity as a goal-scoring machine alongside him, Fields is conducting an offense with a variety of scoring options, but without a third all-the-time consistent presence, especially at the midfield. There are offensive coaches who’d argue it’s more difficult to put the ball on five or six guys’ sticks over the course of a game, not knowing who’s going to be hot that day, than working to get it to one or two.

[UAFAN]

2016 McEwen Face-Off Ratings: Week 12 — Albany's Ornstein Will Be Pivotal

 

Albany is good enough at both ends of the field that he doesn't need to carry them, but getting them to over 40% against an elite face-off guy would go a long ways toward helping the Danes make an NCAA Championship Weekend appearance.

 

Sector SPDRs May Madness: Previewing the Conference Tournaments America East: Can Stony Brook beat Albany?

Albany’s place in the NCAA Tournament field seems secure. Can Stony Brook topple the Danes and earn a spot of its own?

Albany has won 28 straight games in America East play and is clicking on all cylinders. The Danes had a fairly easy win against Stony Brook back in mid-March; it won't be easy for the Sea Wolves, especially with the confidence Albany is playing with right now.

What is this mentality like for Albany compared to last year’s? There was never any doubt they had the best player on the field when Lyle Thompson was wearing the Purple and Gold. You could argue they still do in Blaze Riorden — but having a standout player who can stop the other team, vs. having a weapon to attack is a different mentality. But rising into the Top 5 (something that never happened with the Thompsons), beating Yale and getting to this point in the post-Thompson era has to have the Danes brimming with confidence. It’s easy to look at a near-upset by UMBC as a letdown, but it’s games like those that average teams will let go and very good teams pull out. This year’s Danes are anything but average.

Don’t Sleep On: Vermont

The Catamounts are 8-7 and back in the tournament for the second straight year. Eight wins is their most since 2006.

Ian MacKay is an easy place to start when looking for the possible upset. He has the sixth longest streak in DI (points in 44 games). He’s third in the America East in points per game (4.36), and the Catamounts’ are seventh in assists per game (7.93). In the semifinal against Stony Brook, there could be some offensive fireworks with these guys on the field.

But don’t sleep on Jon Kaplan, who was named America East defender of the week with 13 saves against Binghamton.

Player to watch: Challen Rogers, M, Stony Brook

ogers is the third Seawolf in the last 15 years to earn four all-conference nods. He's scored 20 goals and tallied a career-high 36 assists. Rogers is fourth in school history in points (202) and second in assists (112). Simply put, he’s one of the best midfielders in Division I lacrosse, and he would be a household name if he were on ESPNU a bit more.

— Matt Kinnear

Edited May 5, 2016 by UAFAN

[nysteve661]

And down goes Stony Brook in the first semi to Vermont 10-9. That's a surprise.

[UA'08]

Will SB losst hurt UA's chance for a home game if they advance to the finals Saturday. That would have been another potential top 15 win.

[nysteve661]

Should not from all the chatter I have read. Win both games and we are a 5 or 6 seed in tourney with a home game.

[DanesRGood]

Just tuning in. Are they running late because of the last game?

[jimbo]

Not sure...I'm getting "stuff" but no game feed.

[UA'08]

Getting smoked in faceoffs. 5-5 into halftime

[DanesRGood]

Unreal how easy the faceoff guy on Hartford makes it look. Just grabs the ball and runs.

[BestDaneSinceHamlet]

Im unsure why he went away from Zach so quickly. After 2 or 3 times. The other guys havent even made it a fight. Too quick the hook?

[nysteve661]

Can't believe we have OT.

[GreatDanes06]

I can't believe it

[jimbo]

Totally outplayed. Hartford deserved it. Outcoached and out defensed at the end. Demolished at the X. Oh well....

Edited May 6, 2016 by jimbo

[GreatDanes06]

I'm in stunned disbelief

[jpg_91]

Albany Loses 11-10 in OT.