Men's Lacrosse Looking for Titles in 2015

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Heading into its second season of play in the South Atlantic Conference, the Coker men's lacrosse team is poised to make another run at the conference title. The team finished last season with a 6-8 overall record and 4-3 conference mark, which earned them a fourth-place finish and birth in the first-ever SAC Lacrosse Championship. Under the guidance of David Olliver, who is entering his second full season as head coach, the Cobras will look to improve on the team's most successful season in its four-year history.

"Our goal last year was to be competitive and win close games," said Olliver. "Well, this year the goal is to be competitive, win the close games, and win titles."

The Cobras will have the experience and depth to do just what coach Olliver wants, as the roster features 35 players, including 26 returners and nine newcomers. The returners are headlined by preseason All-SAC second team selections Mike Martiello and Dylan Marks; while Tim Ryan, Austin Holgate and Josh Smith will also be called on to lead the team. Freshmen DeShaun Ormond and Brad Clements will be names to watch from the incoming class of talent to replace the loss of six seniors, including All-SAC selections Ryan Maurer and Andy Campos.

"We lost a lot of talent, but return some really solid kids and have so much more experience this season," said Olliver. "That experience is what we will need to rely on to make the conference tournament again, but walk away with a title this time."

Coker will be in a good position to make the tournament as they were tabbed fifth in the SAC preseason poll, with Queens and Lenoir-Rhyne picked as the favorites. The new format this year will send the top six teams to the conference tournament, with the top two seeds receiving byes in round one.

"We want that first round bye," said Olliver. "With our up-tempo offense and physical defense, a first round bye would be a gift for us. However, a first round bye would really signify to us that the hard work in preseason paid off and, hopefully, culminate in a regular season title."

Playing for a title is not new to Coker, as the 2014 season ended with a loss in the semifinals of the SAC Lacrosse Championship. The loss has been motivation for Olliver and his team.

"Making the tournament last year was great for the program and the school," said Olliver. "But we have to make the tournament this year and finish the job this go around. We are more mature and know what to expect, so we have no excuses. We will be living by our team motto this year: MPNE = Make Plays, Not Excuses."