Final thoughts on Spring 2011
The University of Tennessee Men’s Lacrosse team walked off the field last April having endured yet another overtime loss. Missed opportunities and one goal losses seemed to define the Vols’ 2011 season as they finished well below preseason expectations. Tennessee intends to put its 5-9 record behind them immediately this fall as they work on bringing together a new freshmen class that adds even more depth to a team that lost one senior. As fall ball practice begins coaches and upperclassmen are harping on the miscues that put Tennessee in early game holes or allowed their opponents to come back to win. Head Coach Matt Synowiez had the following thoughts on last season. “Last year was the most frustrating season we had been through since I took over the program in 2005. We had to be the best 5-9 team in the nation which sounds funny to say but we lost 4 games in OT, 1 other by a goal and 1 other by 2 goals. That is 6 losses by a total of 7 goals, that’s a fine line between a 5-9 record and 11-3. Last season made our returners a tough group of players that understand the value of competing at a high level from the first whistle.” Senior offensive midfielder Woody Kidd (Burke,VA-Lake Braddock Secondary) agreed that expectations are high for Tennessee for good reason. “We have all but one returning starter on offense and have some great freshmen that can play and add depth. It is a critical year for us to make a run at the playoffs and I like what I’ve seen so far,” said Kidd. The playoffs are something that have eluded these Tennessee seniors; having made them only once in the last three seasons. Fellow senior and defensive midfielder John Honan (Memphis,TN-Houston) knows this class expects big things and this year is their last chance to exceed those expectations. “The goal is to be a top 25 team and make it to Atlanta for the SELC playoffs. We have a great group who are all ready to make that push for the program,” saidHonan. Goals have been set by Tennessee’s seniors and with their leadership they should be accomplished. Junior close defenseman Mike Middleton (Baltimore,MD-Boys Latin) doesn’t doubt that, “It’s playoffs or bust for us, no question about it. If our defense stays tight and lets the offense score like they can then we have no reason not to win our division.” Both Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC are close to Knoxville, TN which is perfect travel wise for the Tennessee Volunteers. However work done in the fall and leading up to their first game in 2012 will help determine if these Vols are ready to take the next step to becoming a top MCLA program.
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