Veteran defense returns all but one starter

After losing only one defender to graduation in 2003, the Tufts men's lacrosse team returns a core group on defense ready to improve on last year's showing. Last year, the Jumbos allowed 9.12 goals per game, good only for seventh in the NESCAC, but clutch performances in key games displayed promise for the future.

Tufts' sole loss on defense was one of last year's tri-captains, Mike Morley. Morley, who appeared in 16 of the Jumbos' 17 games, starting in 15, was a defensive captain and team leader who will certainly be missed. But Tufts is looking ahead to its defensive future. Matt Malatesta, a midfielder and senior tri-captain, is well-aware of the strength of those returning this season.

"Losing players always affects a program," Malatesta said. "But we have a strong nucleus to build on from last year."

Among those returning is fifth year defender Dave Richman, a second-year tri-captain. Richman started in 16 of the team's 17 games last season and anchored the defense alongside Morley. The 2004 season will mark Richman's fourth as a defensive starter for Tufts.

"Richman is a very important player on the team," coach Mike Daly said. "He's an integral part of our leadership and defensive presence."

Returning to the Jumbo back line alongside Richman is senior Jesse Miller, who also started all but one game last season. Rounding out Tufts' trio of senior defenders is Charles Savicki, who also has plenty of experience to his name, including four starts in 2003. Richman, Miller, and Savicki have combined for a total of 128 games played over their Jumbo careers.

The sight of three experienced and intelligent veterans in front of him will certainly be a welcome sight for junior goalie Luke Chicco, a returning 2003 starter. In last year's 8-7 victory over Wesleyan in the NESCAC semifinals, Chicco need to make only six saves, thanks largely to the work of his defenders. Look for more stingy performances from the Jumbos in 2004.

With so many players returning for Tufts on both halves of the field, expectations are high going into their 2004 campaign. Malatesta is aware of what his team is capable of accomplishing.

"We expect to play to our potential this season," Malatesta said. "We finished second last year, and you can move up or down from there. We want to move up."