Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (2/20/2023) – "It's all about the character traits that we have identified as a team; commitment, accountability, and mentality. We strive to achieve these traits daily and if we can embody them and improve every day than we will be the best version of ourselves in May," said Gwynedd Mercy University Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Blase Cesarone '17. In 2022, Gwynedd Mercy University enjoyed an Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Semifinal appearance opposite eventual league champion Cabrini University after upsetting #3 Marywood University 14-9 in the quarterfinal round. Building upon their accomplishments, Gwynedd Mercy University aims to take the next step toward an AEC Championship.
   
"We were very young last year," admits Coach Cesarone. "But now we have a lot of guys returning with a year of playing time under their belt. They understand what it takes to be successful." Headlining the returners is junior attack Jason Eide (Pleasant Hill, Calif.). "Jason continuously works on his game. He is the captain of our program and is someone we can rely on to set the tone," said Coach Cesarone. An offensive juggernaut, Eide led Gwynedd Mercy University in assists (17) and points (41) en route to All-AEC Second Team recognition in 2022.
 
Eide is joined on the attack by veteran group in graduates Cameron Ostroff (Wilmington, Del) and John McCreary (Furlong, Pa.), juniors Nick Flamma (Sewell, N.J.) and Tyler Long (Downingtown, Pa.), and sophomore Dominic Romania (Phoenixville, Pa.). Long and Ostroff had an impressive senior seasons; the former totaled 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists), 13 ground balls, and a caused turnover, while the latter offered 22 points (14 goals, 8 assists), a dozen (12) ground balls, and five caused turnovers. Flamma's sophomore campaign was equally noteworthy with 19 points (14 goals, 5 assists), 14 ground balls, and three caused turnovers. A healthy McCreary is sure to improve on his 2022 numbers as well; eight points (6 goals, 2 assists), eight ground balls, and two caused turnovers.
 
Romania and freshmen Nick Citrigno (Southampton, Pa.) and Gunnar Seaman (Worcester, Pa.) will see time between the attack and midfield units. The latter positioning will pair them with juniors Justin Carney (Flemington, N.J.) and Jack Freeland (Riverton, N.J.), sophomores Richie Hughes (Turnersville, N.J.), Ian Kish (Easton, Pa.), and Nathan Tindall (Douglassville, Pa.).
 
"Carney and Kish are solid two-way midfielders. They can do it all; make great plays on defense and spark our offense when we need it most," endorsed Coach Cesarone. "Hughes is invaluable. We can always count on him to get the offense going as well." Carney paired his 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists) with 40 ground balls and six caused turnovers. Kish split 16 points between goals (8) and assists (8), while totaling eight caused turnovers and a team-high 60 ground balls thanks to a 55-of-139 (.396) success rate on faceoff. Never afraid to let it fly, Hughes totaled 15 goals on 100 shots and accompanied his two assists with 15 ground balls.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University's specialty midfielders include senior Sam Flamma (Sewell, N.J.) and Jared Manbeck (Womelsdorf, Pa.), junior Shane Langefeld (Hainesport, N.J.), 
sophomore Ryan Wilkins (Galloway, N.J.), as well as freshmen Sam Koehler (Collegeville, Pa.) and Zac Womer (Gilbertsville, Pa.). Flamma and Langefeld were valuable reserves; the former totaled 35 ground balls, 16 caused turnovers, and a pair of faceoff wins (2-of-2, 1.000), while the latter totaled 18 ground balls, four caused turnovers, and 39 faceoff wins (39-of-108, .361). In 2023, primary faceoff duties will fall on the shoulders of junior Evan Courts (Bellefonte, Pa.). Courts won 51-of-119 (.429) faceoffs last season while also providing a dozen (12) ground balls and five caused turnovers.
 
Coach Cesarone identified junior Pat O'Neill (Pennsauken, N.J.) as the Griffins' second captain, "Pat brings a physicality and toughness to our defense. As a two-year starter, we can rely on him to lead this group." He offered 19 ground balls and five caused turnovers last season and takes over for Brendan Donovan '22, who captained the 2022 defense with 33 ground balls and a team-high 19 caused turnovers. O'Neill is joined on defense by graduate Donny Holden (Claymont, Del.), juniors Jim Bickel (Fairless Hills, Pa.) and Reece Salas (Philadelphia, Pa.), sophomore Joshua Kolasa (Cherry Hill, N.J.), and freshmen Dylan Gazda (Pottstown, Pa.).
 
In goal, Gwynedd Mercy University welcomes back senior Chase McFeely (Mullica Hill, N.J.). "Aubron Swartley ('22) holds the program record for total saves and was the glue to our defense last season," recognized Coach Cesarone. "But, Chase is a veteran goalkeeper who commands the defense and we expect him to fill that leadership role."
In 2023, McFeely will compete with sophomore transfer Jared Devine (Pottsotwn, Pa./Alvernia University) and freshman Grady Mumm (Forest Hill, Md.) for time between the pipes.
 
"This is an important year for us," said Coach Cesarone. "We have many key pieces returning, guys who stepped up last year taking on bigger roles, and a strong freshman class. We are looking to take that next step as a program and make our way back to the AEC Championship."
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University men's lacrosse team opens their 2023 schedule on February 22, when they visit Albright College for a 4:00 p.m. faceoff.