Young players on the prowl for Laxcats

Brian Foster Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore transfer defenseman Jeff Cady easily takes the ball away from senior midfielder Dan McCarthy in last Thursday's practice at Wildcat Field. The Laxcats defeated ASU 21-11 in their second scrimmage of the season Saturday in Phoenix.

The Laxcats of last season consisted of 16 players and finished 8-8 while going to the semifinals of the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League's tournament.

This year they have doubled their roster by recruiting freshmen and transfers that look to make a difference.

"This is the most amount of talent we have had here in a long time," head coach Mickey-Miles Felton said.

The Laxcats opened their fall season with a loss to the Tucson Lacrosse Club 16-12, but bounced back last Saturday as they defeated archrival Arizona State 21-11 after fighting back from an early 3-0 deficit.

"It has been a lot better since the first game," senior attackman Dan McCarthy said. "We are coming together with experience from games a lot quicker than we have been from practice."

With the amount of new faces under the helmets, progress and game experience is exactly what the coaching staff is looking for in the fall.

"With a very large amount of new players with inexperience it takes a lot to put it together," Felton said. "Fortunately we don't have to do it all this semester."

The defense looks to be a strong point for the Laxcats as they return senior Phil Guiliano, junior Laurence Bass, sophomore Tom Christian and add Jeff Cady, a sophomore transfer from Colgate.

"Cady comes with a lot of experience and a very good knowledge and understanding of the game," Felton said. "He is the guy who is most significant on that end of the field."

The defensemen are going to have to anchor that half of the field as UA has two freshmen goaltenders in Jesse Carlaftes and Marc Lenio, both Arizona natives.

"The goal is the place we are hurting right now. The progress of the freshmen will be very important to our success," Felton said.

The attack consists of seniors Daniel Price and McCarthy and sophomore Justin Taglianetti.

Price looks to be the leader as he was the team's top scorer a year ago, while McCarthy and Taglianetti look to add depth and knowledge to the offensive scheme of the Laxcats.

"It is the Double-D attack with Price and McCarthy. They are both seniors and have played that position before," Felton said. "Price is going to be the quarterback while Tags is having a good fall, also."

Another attackman that could prove to be in the mix is freshman Blane Lockridge.

"Blane is going to be a really good player. He is one of those guys that you don't even realize is out there," Felton said. "He has a great stick and a good eye for the field, which is very important."

The guys who run the midfield will be happy this year as they won't have to play while being out of breath because the team finally has depth at the position.

Sophomores Matt Wilkens and Charlie Hitchins, along with freshmen Matt Green, Chris Mastores, Tim Andrea and Eric Renner will guide the young midfield line this season.

"Wilkens can be the difference in the game because he plays strong defense and can score when he wants to," McCarthy said. "Renner has the hardest shot on the team and he too can score at will."

Felton was also quick to comment on the emergence of Green.

"He is going to be an impact player here for years to come. He is probably the best freshman I have recruited here in a long time," Felton said.

Also challenging for a midfield spot is junior Lon Packer, who was forced to sit out last season due to knee surgery.

"Lon is on the first midfield because he can complement those guys (Wilkens and Renner) with his good defense," Felton said.

All in all, Felton and the rest of the Laxcats are looking for the overall team game this upcoming season as they have no real superstars on the roster.

"The New York Yankees didn't have any superstars and they proved how to win without them," Felton said. "We would be happy to follow the Yanks' lead."

Dan Rosen can be reached via e-mail at Dan.Rosen@wildcat.arizona.edu.