By TIM BAYSINGER
Towson (8-5, 5-1)Even though they lost their regular season finale to #5 Johns Hopkins University, the Tigers still managed to move up one spot in the USILA rankings to #14 and clinch the top seed in the CAA Championship. Juniors Adam Hagelin and Kevin Huntley gave strong efforts in the loss. The Tigers now get ready to host Hofstra University in the first round of the CAA Championship.
Drexel (11-4, 5-1)The Dragons moved up two spots in the USILA rankings to #15 after defeating Hofstra University for the first time in school history. Joe Variano led the way as the Dragons scored five times in the final quarter to rally for the win. The Dragons tied with Towson University for the CAA regular season championship and will be the second seed in the upcoming tournament. The Dragons will play host to the University of Delaware.
Delaware (9-5, 4-2)The Blue Hens moved up one spot in the USILA rankings to #17 after defeating Robert Morris University 19-4 in their regular season finale. Sophomore Nick LoManto led the way and Senior Alex Smith, the reigning CAA player of the week, provided a strong effort as well. The Blue Hens now get ready to travel to Drexel where they will face the Dragons in the first round of the CAA Championship.
Hofstra (6-7, 3-3)Despite losing their final two regular season games, one to local rival Stony Brook University, and dropping out of the USILA rankings, the Pride managed to sneak into the CAA Championship as the final team. The Pride will travel to top seeded Towson to face the Tigers. Sophomore Tom Dooley has been leading the way and Freshman Goalie Danny Orlando has continued to be stellar in his first season in front of the net.
Villanova (7-7, 2-4)The Wildcats blew their shot at post-season play with a 15-14 defeat to Sacred Hart University in their regular season finale. Senior Eric Heidenburger and Junior Chris MacDonald both registered hat tricks for the Wildcats in the loss. The Wildcats’ loss allowed Hofstra University to sneak in the CAA Championship.
Sacred Heart (4-8, 2-4)The Pioneers closed out their season strong by knocking Villanova out of the CAA Championship with a 15-14 victory. Seniors Michael Collins and Peter Greco led the way contributing four points each in their final game as Pioneers. Sophomore Bobby Rushton gave a strong performance as well.
Robert Morris (3-9, 0-6)The Colonials finished a rough season with a 19-4 loss at the hands of the University of Delaware. The Colonials finished the season winless in CAA play. Senior Carlo Sunseri finished his Colonial career with an 18-game goal streak and Junior Andrew Watt finished the season as the Colonials leading goal scorer.