February 27 vs. Merrimack (12 p.m.)
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Twitter: @RiverHawkMLAX | @RiverHawkNation
 
LOWELL, Mass. -- The UMass Lowell men's lacrosse team is set to kick off its 2021 season on Saturday afternoon as the River Hawks host Merrimack at 12:00 p.m. on Cushing Field.
 
A SEASON AGO
The River Hawks were off to a solid start, winning three games before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short. Most notably, UMass Lowell opened their campaign with a 10-9 win over Quinnipiac followed by a 16-15 victory against Siena. After a home loss to Dartmouth, the River Hawks rallied to beat Merrimack on the road 8-6 in what would be their final game of the season.
 
LEADING THE FLOCK
Five River Hawks will lead the 2021 squad, all having been named captains for the first time in their careers. The group includes seniors Kyle Laforge (Tyngsboro, Mass.) Domenic Giachello (Somers, Conn.), Harry Morrill (Hyde Park, Mass.), Jake Lining (Rochester, Mich.) and fifth-year Cameron Richard (Derry, N.H.)
 
"Leaders emerge and shine under pressure, and rarely have we seen more challenging times," commented Stephenson. "Our captains have risen to the occasion, setting a strong example for their fellow teammates. They are an overall great group of players who will make decisions with the teams' best interest at heart."

NEW KIDS IN TOWN
Stephenson brought in 17 new recruits for the 2021 season, including attackers Niall Cremin (Northborough, Mass.), Jake Davis (Franklin, Mass.), Ben Greco (Franklin, Mass.), Justin Longo (Kingston, N.Y.) and Ben Peffer (Newburyport, Mass.); midfielders Mason Carroll (Hollis, N.H.), Charles Katin (Pelham, N.H.), Sam Heppenstall (Duxbury, Mass.), Christian Moss (Upton, Mass.), Garrett Murphy (Billerica, Mass.) and Sean Parker (Flemington, N.J.); long-stick midfielders Gavin McGuckin (Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Jack Sullivan (Franklin, Mass.); defenders Tanner Soudan (Fairport, N.Y. ) and Ethan Zupko (Livonia, Mich. ); faceoff Jack Bird (Buffalo, N.Y.); and goalie Anthony Mancino (Holbrook, N.Y.).
 
WHO TO WATCH: OFFENSE EDITION
UMass Lowell will be bolstered by the return of four of their top-six point scorers from a season ago, comprised of Conor Foley (Walpole, Mass.), Dakota Clark (Bedford, N.H.) and Laforge who all had 10 goals in the seven-game shortened season. Foley, a midfielder, was the River Hawks top-point scorer last season, dishing out 13 assists for 23 points.
 
WHO TO WATCH: DEFENSE EDITION
The River Hawks will welcome the return of Liam McDonough (Groton, Mass.) and Eric Flynn (Bedford, N.H.) who helped protect the River Hawk line in 2020. McDonough, a 2018 America East All-Rookie selection, was back to prove himself, recording 25 ground balls and 52 faceoff wins to lead the Lowell defenders last season. Flynn started in all seven games for the River Hawks, finishing with a team-best 12 caused turnovers.
 
SCOUTING MERRIMACK
Starting their 2021 season last weekend, Merrimack took on Boston University in a gritty 15-12 loss to the Terriers. The Warriors leading point getter, senior Sean Black paces the squad with five points this season with all of them being recorded off assists. Junior Tommy Rooney comes in second after rattling off four goals in his debut with the Warriors. On the defensive side of the ball Merrimack is led by senior Christian Thomas with eight ground balls.

AMERICA EAST ACTION
Conference play begins on March 6 as teams are scheduled to play a total of nine league games, including contests against each opponent once and two twice. Due to COVID-19 schedules are subject to change. Full 2021 #AEMLAX Schedule.
 
The top four teams in the conference standings will qualify for the America East Men's Lacrosse Championship, which will be held at tournament's No. 1 seed. The semifinals take place on May 6 and the championship tilt on May 8. The winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
 
FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to health and safety considerations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, spectators will not be allowed to attend UMass Lowell athletic competitions at this time.