Mens Lacrosse: Irish host talented pro squad
By: JUSTIN SCHUVER
Sports Writer
The Notre Dame mens lacrosse team will take on a team composed of current professional players, including several former Irish players, in a scrimmage Saturday at 7 p.m. in Loftus.
The Irish, who are ranked 17th in this year's Inside Lacrosse Magazine preseason poll, will face 11 teams ranked in the preseason top 25 this year.
This weekend's scrimmage will be a good benchmark for the Irish, who are coming off a somewhat disappointing 5-8 record from last year.
"This is a great way to prepare ourselves for the season," Irish coach Kevin Corrigan said. "We won't play a more talented team all year. We may play teams with better chemistry, but no one with better talent."
Corrigan said the Irish opponent this weekend is "a bunch of guys" who make up some of the finest lacrosse talent in the world.
Included on that team are Todd Rassas, a three time All-American while at Notre Dame; two-time Irish All-American Jimmy Keenan and the first All-American in Notre Dame history, Tom Glatzel.
Corrigan said the team might have the two best offensive players in the world today, as well as a defense that includes three members of the U.S. National Team.
"This will be a great test for us, not just man-to-man, but also to see how we play as a team," Corrigan said.
The Irish will need to start strong this season, as their first game is a road matchup against No. 15 Penn State. Starting was no problem for the Irish last year; it was finishing that was the team's Achilles' heel.
Out of the eight Irish losses last year, six were one-goal games, and three were decided in overtime.
"We just couldn't seem to get over that hump," Corrigan said. "I think we're a little more determined this year."
All Sports Stories for Friday, February 7, 2003
