The Colonials of Southampton Graduate Campus of Long Island University will not forget the 2001 lacrosse season any time soon. It was a successful season that included nail-biting and heartbreaking games. The Colonials ended the regular season with an overall record of 8-4 and qualified for the ECAC's.
The season began with a five-game winning streak. At Southampton, the Colonials defeated Farmingdale 22-10. This win was followed by victories over St. Andrew's, St. Vincent, the US Merchant Marine Academy, and Merrimack. The win over Merrimack had its own glory to the team since as retribution for the 13-14 loss the Colonials suffered in 2000.
The most emotional win of the 2001 season was the 14-11 victory over New York Institute of Technology on April 11; which marked the first time the Colonials defeated Tech since Southampton Graduate Campus entered the NYCAC in 1993. Tech was ranked third and Southampton, seventh, coming into the game. Tech scored four goals during a 1:52 span and took a 4-0 lead during the first quarter; but All-American Mike Daquino responded to this and scored three of his own. With 2:07 left, the Colonials were within 5-4. Daquino ended the game with five goals, Will Campell had four, Dave Ortiz and Chris Schiefer had two apiece, and Stan Przedwiecki was good for one. All-American Larry Falkman's 23-save performance prompted Tech's coach, Jack Kaley, to say, "Faulkner's an outstanding athlete, at any level."
After defeating Molloy 14-8, the Colonials were seeded second, behind Tech, in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament. Southampton defeated West Chester 13-6 in the first round. Schiefer had four goals and an assist and Daquino had two goals and three assists. Tech defeated the Colonials in the Championship game 17-10, but Falkman had 25 saves.
Much of the Colonials' accomplishment last season was due to the defense, which was considered the team's strongest facet. These defenders included Tim Harder, Mark Carlson, Joe Vertullo, and Joe Cea, all who return for 2002. Brent Quinn, Phil Bonelli, Ortiz, Jamie Fabian and Keith Flood had a huge impact on the midfield line. As freshmen last year, these five Colonials demonstrated the work ethic of veterans. Each had the abilities to face off, dodge, and shoot well.
Last year's attack proved to be one of the best ever at Southampton with Daquino and Schiefer firing deadly shots. Schiefer returns for the 2002 season and will lead fellow attackman Ortiz and freshmen Dennis Bonal and Tim Goger.
The Colonials graduated three All-Americans in 2001: Daquino, Falkman, and midfielder Desmond Megna. Falkman made the All-NYCAC First Team and was a Division II First Team All-American. Daquino was a Division II Second Team All-American and made the All-NYCAC First Team. Daquino, Falkman, and Megna return to the sidelines for the 2002 season: Daquino and Falkman will be student assistants and Megna will be an assistant coach.
