Bearcats have tough schedule ahead

2/19/2013 (Updated 10:59:07 PM)

VESTAL -- The Bearcats were recently picked fifth in the America East Preseason Mens Lacrosse Coaches Poll.

Albany received three first place votes on their way to becoming preseason favorites as voted on by the six coaches across the America East. Rounding out the poll were UMBC and Stony Brook who tied in second place with 20 points apiece, Hartford in fourth place and in last was Vermont with five points.

Binghamton finished the 2012 season with a 4-9 record, including a 1-4 mark in conference play. BU returns a conference-high 29 letterwinners and six starters from a season ago. Head coach Scott Nelson enters his second season with the Binghamton program, which saw an immediate spike in offensive production a year ago.

The Bearcats recorded 10 or more goals eight times in 2012 and averaged a program-best 9.54 goals per contest.

Back for his junior season is midfielder Mike Antinozzi, who recorded one of the best seasons in BU history. Antinozzi, a first-team all-conference selection, scored a program record 32 goals and 46 points in just 13 games. His 2.46 goals per game ranked 16th in the country as he racked up seven hat tricks for the Bearcats. Also returning are 20-goal scorers Tyler Perrelle (25 goals), Brandon Planck (21 goals) and a fully healthy Matt Springer who tallied a combined 58 goals during his first two collegiate seasons (2010-11).

Despite losing a pair of starters on defense, Binghamton remains strong in the backline. Junior Greg Cove started every game last season for the Bearcats and his 12 caused turnovers landed him a spot on the second team all-conference list. Also joining him on defense will be junior Garrett Augustyn who made 11 starts in 2012.

BU will begin their season on the road as they face a strong test in Siena on Saturday, Feb. 23. The Bearcats defeated the Saints 9-7 at home last season powered by five goals from Antinozzi.

(Courtesy Bearcats Athletics)

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