Two-time All-Patriot League selection Nate Hill and the Statesmen were picked to finish fourth in the League's preseason poll. (Photo by Art Foxall)

February 19, 2004

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart lacrosse team was picked fourth in the Patriot League preseason poll, which was released today by the League office. The Statesmen received 68 points, including two first place votes, in the poll of the League’s head coaches and sports information directors.

Navy, with eight first place votes and 86 total points, is the preseason favorite, followed by Army (6, 85) and Bucknell (71). Colgate (58), Lehigh (40), Lafayette (22), and Holy Cross (18) round out the poll. The Patriot League will invite the top-four teams in its regular season standings to the inaugural PL Tournament April 30, and May 1, at a site to be determined. The winner of the tournament will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Hobart finished the 2003 season, its fourth in the Patriot League, with a 4-2 record in third place behind Army and Bucknell. The Statesmen were 5-8 overall.

One of the most storied programs in collegiate lacrosse, Hobart boasts a winning all-time record against Bucknell (13-3), Colgate (47-8-2), Holy Cross (4-0), Lafayette (6-0), and Lehigh (5-3). Only Army (15-4) and Navy (2-0) sport more wins than losses to the Statesmen. Since joining the League as an associate member in 2000, Hobart is 19-5 in PL play, capturing the Patriot League Championship in 2000 and 2002.

Third-year Head Coach Matt Kerwick ’90 welcomes back 24 letterwinners, including six starters. Two-time All-Patriot League junior Nate Hill (Hamburg/Hamburg, N.Y.) will lead the attack. Over the past two seasons, he has scored 24 goals and assisted on 34 more, the latter career total ranks fifth among Division I Statesmen.

“Obviously, one of our team’s goals is to earn a spot in the Patriot League Tournament,” Kerwick said. “But we’re focused on doing more than that this season. We’ve made it clear to our players that they’re championship caliber.”

The Statesmen play their final preseason scrimmage on Feb. 21, when the Vermont Catamounts visit McCooey Field. Faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., and admission is free.

Hobart opens its 102nd varsity season on Feb. 28, against Butler University. The Statesmen and Bulldogs will square off at St. Paul’s School in Brooklandville, Md., at 2:30 p.m. Following a five-game road trip, Hobart will make its home debut at 1 p.m., on March 27, against Lafayette.