January 15, 2003

CAPE COD, Mass. -- In a vote by league coaches, the Georgetown Hoyas have been chosen as the favorite to capture the 2003 ECAC Lacrosse League title.  The Hoyas have been picked first by league coaches for four straight years.  Massachusetts, the 2002 ECAC League Champion, has been chosen second by the coaches, Penn State has been picked third followed by Navy, UMBC and Rutgers.

Georgetown returns six starters including two-time ECAC Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Sweeney (Springfield, Pa./Springfield).  The longstick midfielder was a USILA first team all-America selection at the end of last season and was selected to the 2003 Inside Lacrosse Face Off Yearbook Preseason First Team. He stands 28 groundballs away from being Georgetown?s all-time leader.  Last season Sweeney covered 75 ground balls and posted a career-high nine points on five goals and four assists.

At the end of last season the Hoyas were ranked No. 5 after posting a 12-3 overall record and falling to Princeton, 14-13 in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

The Hoyas open the 2003 season on the road Saturday, February 22 at noon against Maryland.

2003 ECAC Lacrosse Preseason Poll

As voted on by league coaches

1. Georgetown (4) 24 pts

2. Massachusetts (2) 21 pts

3. Penn State 18 pts

4. Navy 12 pts

t5. UMBC 6 pts