Feb. 22, 2006

Washington, D.C. - The Georgetown University men's lacrosse team has been selected as the 2006 preseason favorite in the ECAC Lacrosse League in a vote by the league's coaches. This is the seventh consecutive year the Hoyas have earned the top ranking.

Following the Hoyas are Massachusetts and Penn State, who finished as co-champions in 2005 and are ranked second and third, respectively. Loyola (Md.), in its second year of conference play, is ranked fourth, while league newcomer Fairfield is fifth. Rounding out the preseason poll is Hobart, Rutgers and St. John's.

The Hoyas return eight starters from last season, including three that earn 2006 ECAC Lacrosse League Preseason honors, senior midfielder Pete Cannon (Haverford, Pa./Haverford School), junior defenseman Reyn Garnett (Mt. Kisco, N.Y./Deerfield Academy) and sophomore attacker Brendan Cannon (Haverford, Pa./Haverford School). Pete Cannon led the Hoyas with 22 goals a year ago and was a Honorable Mention USILA All-American. Garnett earned First Team All-America honors and was a Second Team All-ECAC choice in 2005. He contributed 37 groundballs to the Hoya defense. Brendan Cannon also earns All-ECAC First Team recognition after scoring 15 goals during his rookie season.

The Hoyas finished 10-5 (4-2 in the ECAC) last year and are one of only two teams to make the quarterfinals in each of the past four seasons.

The ECAC will feature eight teams for the first time this year, with Hobart, Loyola, and St. John's in their second seasons and Fairfield making its debut after earning a trip to the NCAA tournament last year. Hobart is looking to get back to the NCAA tourney after a year's absence, while Loyola is seeking its first berth since 2001.

The Hoyas' 2006 season opens up on Saturday, February 25 when they host Maryland at 2 p.m at the Multi-Sport Field.