Trojan stickmen experience another learning curve

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 3, 2014 11:27 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive men's lacrosse coach Michael Murphy crunched every number and studied every scenario.

He talked with other coaches and viewed the polls.

Murphy understood the Trojans' chances of reaching the postseason were a longshot. And his realization of improbability bothered him due to three facts -- UMO is ranked No. 15 in the latest USILA Division II poll, his team beat a nationally-ranked conference opponent twice and it has the seventh-best overall record (13-3) in the country.

The kicker?

Mount Olive has an extremely low RPI. The teams on the Trojans' schedule were not as strong across the board compared to last season. Murphy added that a few teams that could have bolstered the RPI dropped the Trojans from their schedules in December.

"It's the nature of the best," Murphy said. "People want to make you earn something extra to catch a break. The RPI was just so low where we couldn't afford many hiccups at all. Had we beaten Wingate (a triple OT loss) and Limestone, it still would have been an uphill battle."

The NCAA selection committee will reveal the eight-team field today. Perennial juggernaut Limestone, Mercyhurst and Tampa (Fla.) are expected to take the top three spots in the South Region. One of three other teams -- Queens, Pfeiffer and Florida Southern -- could slip into the fourth spot.

Adelphi, Le Moyne and NYIT are locks in the North.

"Two years ago, only four teams made it to the playoffs and they expanded to eight last season," Murphy said. "The teams we played this year were part of a two-year deal signed by the previous coach. We're going to make the schedule stronger (for next year).

"But there's no doubt we had an incredible season."

The Trojans achieved numerous school records and ranked among the national leaders in several statistical categories. UMO logged an 8-0 record at home, won a program-best 13 regular-season games and finished runner-up to Conference Carolinas power Limestone in regular-season and tournament play.

Murphy will have to replace his top two scorers -- two-time all-Conference Carolinas selection Dan Shields and teammate Cameron Walsh. The duo accounted for 117 points -- 65 goals and 52 assists this season.

Senior defender Sean Shewey always drew the assignment of defending the opponent's top offensive scorer.

"Dan was like having another coach on the field," Murphy said. "Guys who had either personal issues or practice issues, he'd help them out behind the scenes. Walsh was a good leader on the field and a great guy to be around.

"It's going to be hard to replace them from a leadership standpoint. As a coach, you don't see the points leaving, but the young men leaving. You're proud they're graduating and moving on, but at the same time glad you had them around."

Murphy has signed 17 freshmen to replace his 16-member senior class. He's confident that he and his staff have recruited some of the nation's top attackmen, midfielders and defenders that can help UMO take that next step as a program.