During the 2002-03 season, the men’s lacrosse team did not have too much to prove. It went into the year unranked and unknown to the world of lacrosse. The team came out No. 16 in the nation, with three players ranked in the national top 10 in scoring.
The team now must prove that the last couple of seasons were no fluke and that UCSD can continue to be a national powerhouse. Going into the 2004-05 season, the team is ranked No. 24 out of 140 teams in the United States. The team was also ranked No. 24 toward the end of last season after upsetting No. 18 University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Long and difficult workouts in the fall have prepared the team for the start of the season as it seeks revenge in its first game at Chapman. The Tritons 2003 season ended when the team lost to Chapman in the quarterfinals by one goal.
Although the season officially begins in February, the team has been active throughout the fall. The Tritons have been practicing four days a week for close to three hours a day. On top of the normal evening practices, the players are also required to participate in conditioning at 7 a.m.
“It is big-time dedication,” head coach Albert Man said. “We never have to make cuts because people just cut themselves.”
The team also played in two preseason tournaments to gain some game experience. Its schedule is one of the most difficult in the nation, and with 10 new players, experience will be important. The Tritons’ first tournament was Oct. 16 at UC Irvine, where they won two games and lost one. The tournament included the top team in California, and the Tritons were pleased with their performance.
“After a long summer, we definitely looked impressive and showed we were not a one-year wonder,” Man said.
On Oct. 30, the team played in the A. Webb Round Robin Tournament, where it faced San Diego State and the University of San Diego. The Tritons proved they were No. 1 in San Diego by sweeping both teams and winning the tournament.
“The fall really got us back into shape and ready to compete for a division title,” Man said.
The team will now rest up for the season and only hold morning conditioning. Once the season begins, there will be no time for breaks. The Tritons will play the defending division champion, UC Santa Barbara, on Feb. 20 and then travel to UCLA on Feb. 26. UCSD first gained national attention last season when it beat UCLA, 12-7.
After playing the University of Arizona and the University of Southern California at home, the team will make its big trip to Texas, where the Tritons will face Texas A&M and University of Texas at Austin.
“Both of the teams prove they are the best in the nation every year,” Man said. “This will be our chance to prove that we deserve that same reputation.”
Four key returnees will lead the Tritons. Junior attackman Nick Dean was a second-team All-American last season and has been an offensive force since his arrival at UCSD. He was ranked in the top 10 in scoring each of the last two seasons.
“He will be one of the best players in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League this year and is a key player for success,” Man said.
Last season Dean got attention for his performance during the UCSD 10-6 win over No. 8 Arizona, in which he had two goals and four assists.
Junior Morgan Silldorff was also an All-American last season. Junior Brandon Hayes was an all-league selection and will lead the Triton defense. Senior Phil Smith promises to be one of the top players in the WCLL this season.
The team has already gained the attention of UCSD students. Over 300 spectators turned out for some home games last season. The Tritons will try to capture the attention of the lacrosse nation when they begin their season on Feb. 12 at Chapman.
