2001 SEASON ReCAP
The Clarkson University Lacrosse team made the most of the lessons learned from a rebuilding year in 2000 by posting its best record in 10 years this spring. "We were successful and competitive being 8-4 this season." stated 13th-year head coach Bill Bergan. "We were a little disappointed with our league record and that we missed out on postseason play, but all in all I was pretty happy with the season."

The Golden Knights, surged out of the gates to open the season with a 5-0 mark by outscoring their opponents 72-34 for their best start since 1979. After beginning the season with an 18-5 victory over Geneseo State on March 17, the Green and Gold then pulled out a 12-11 sudden death overtime triumph at Alfred. Clarkson followed with impressive wins over Plattsburgh (15-5) and Elmira (14-7). The Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) campaign began on a high note for the Knights with a 13-6 victory at Hamilton on April 7.

Clarkson suffered its first loss of the season at St. Lawrence when a late rally fell short in a 12-9 defeat on April 9. The Knights picked-up their second league win with a convincing 15-5 rout of Vassar in their first home game of the season on April 13. A young Clarkson squad then slipped in conference action dropping its final three UCAA games. The Knights fell at home to eventual conference champion Rensselaer (18-12) and after a dominating 18-11 win over cross-town rival Potsdam State, Clarkson suffered a weekend sweep on the road with close losses to UCAA foes Skidmore (15-11) and Union (10-9). The Knights closed out the year with an overwhelming 19-6 win over Keuka.

"I think we had a good collective team effort," remarked Bergan. "There were some kids that step up and were a little bit surprising. Obviously there were no surprises with what Nick Masterpole did this year. We were very fortunate to have him at Clarkson for four years. Nick meant a lot to us with his leadership qualities on and off the field. He will be sorely missed."

Masterpole sparked a Clarkson offense, which scored 165 goals, the most in a season for the Knights since the 1992 campaign. A UCAA All-Star for the third consecutive year, the Marcellus, New York native scored 41 goals and 19 assists for 60 points in 2001 and finished his stellar Clarkson career as the Green and Gold's fifth all-time leading scorer with 184 points (125-59). Junior Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) was second for the Knights in scoring with 55 points (20-35). Freshman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) followed with 29 points. A UCAA All-Academic team selection, sophomore Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) rounded out an explosive attack unit with 17 points.

Juniors Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY), a honorable mention UCAA All-star, and Mike Storms (Adams, NY), sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) and freshman Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) led a strong group at midfield.

Two-time first-team UCAA All-Star, sophomore Rudy Perales (Norriton, PA) , who also gained ECAC Honorable Mention status, anchored a young, but exceptionally strong defensive unit. Clarkson also received solid efforts from junior Mike Riley (Massena, NY) and sophomores Ryan McCarthy (Camillus, NY), Marty Thomas (Massena, NY), Greg Arnold (East Amherst, NY) and Breck TenEyck (Fayetteville, NY).

Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) saw the bulk of the action in the Clarkson goal finishing with an 8-2 record. The Knights gave up only 111 goals through 12 games for the lowest goals against average (9.25) allowed by Clarkson in 12 years.

May 16, 2001
CLARKSON LACROSSE PLAYERS EARN UCAA ALL-STAR RECOGNITION

Three members of Clarkson University's Lacrosse team were recently named Upstate Collegiate Athletic Conference (UCAA) All-Stars. Sophomore Rudy Perales highlighted the Clarkson selections by gaining first-team UCAA honors for the second consecutive year.

A defenseman from Norriton, Penn., Perales led the Golden Knights defensive unit, which gave up only 111 goals through 13 games for the lowest goals against average (9.25) allowed by Clarkson in 12 years. Perales, who served as an assistant captain, was also among the team leaders in groundballs with 48. He was also named an ECAC Honorable Mention All-Star.

Gaining second-team recognition was senior captain Nick Masterpole. The Knights' leading scorer, Masterpole was fourth overall among UCAA scoring leaders with 60 points on 41 goals and 19 assists. An attackman from Marcellus, N.Y., Masterpole was named UCAA Player of the Week on April 3 after scoring 18 points, including 14 goals, in three Clarkson victories to help the Knights get off to best start (5-0) since 1979. Masterpole, a three-time UCAA All-Star, closed out his stellar Clarkson career as the Green and Gold's fifth all-time leading scorer with 184 career (125-59) through 50 career games.

A junior midfielder from Watertown, N.Y., Mike Burgess was named a conference honorable mention all-star. He was a top face-off specialist for Clarkson winning 63% of his draws (85-135) this spring. Burgess also scored 12 goals and four assists and was among the team leaders in groundballs with 48.

Clarkson, guided by 13-year head coach Bill Bergan, finished the 2001 campaign with its best record since 1992 at 8-4 overall. The Knights posted a 2-4 mark in the UCAA.

April 28, 2001
CLARKSON CLOSES OUT REGULAR SEASON WITH IMPRESSIVE WIN

Potsdam, NY - Ten different Golden Knights, including nine separate goal scorers, found their way on the stat sheet Saturday afternoon as Clarkson closed out the regular season with an impressive 19-6 victory over Keuka College on Hantz Field. Senior Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) and junior Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) led the Green and Gold attack with four goals and two assists each.Through 50 career games, Masterpole ranks as Clarkson's fifth all-time leading scorer with 184 career points on 125 goals and 59 assists. He leads the Knights with 60 points (41-19) in 12 games this spring. Pafundi follows closely behind with 55 points this season on 20 goals and 35 assists.

Clarkson took control of the contest right from the start grabbing an 8-0 first quarter lead and a 13-1 advantage at the half. Sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) added three goals, while freshmen Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) and Marty Reid (Hamburg, NY) both chipped in two goals. Sophomore Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and freshmen Drew Burke (Liverpool, NY) and Ryan Cole (Huntington Valley, PA) each scored once.

Clarkson, which owns an 8-4 overall record, will now await word of a possible ECAC Playoff bid. The ECAC Upstate NY Tournament will be played on the weekend of May 12-13 at a site to be determined.

April 21, 2001
CLARKSON FALLS BY ONE at UNION

The Clarkson University Lacrosse team suffered a one-goal loss at Union College on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Knights trailed 5-2 at the half, but made it close by outscoring the Dutchmen 7-5 over the final 30 minutes, including a 4-2 margin in the fourth quarter. Senior Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) paced the Clarkson offense with three goals and three assists. Junior Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) registered four points (2-2). Juniors Mike Storms (Adams, NY), and Mke Burgess (Watertown, NY) and freshmen Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) and Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) each scored one goal. Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) and sophomore Brian Pratt (Randolph, NJ) combined for 11 saves in the Clarkson goal. The Golden Knights, at 7-4 overall, closed out the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) with a 2-4 mark. Clarkson wraps up the regular season next Saturday, April 28 when it hosts Keuka College in a 2:00 p.m. game at Hantz Field.

April 20, 2001
SKIDMORE HALTS CLARKSON DESPITE FOURTH QUARTER SURGE

Saratoga Springs, NY - Jonas Jeswald scored five goals and Greg Hickman added four goals and two assists as Skidmore College surprised the Clarkson University Men's Lacrosse team 15-11 in an Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) league game Friday afternoon.

The Golden Knights, who fell to 7-3 overall and 2-3 in the UCAA, scored just three times in the first three quarters before their offense came alive in the fourth quarter when they scored eight goals. Junior Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) scored two goals and three assists to lead Clarkson. Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY) and Marty Reid (Hamburg, NY) each added a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights. David Jay (Orchard Park, NY), Tom Sheridan (Fairport, NY) and Brian Pratt (Randolph, NJ) combined to make 11 saves for Clarkson.

The Golden Knights resume UCAA action at 2:00 p.m. Saturday against Union.

April 17, 2001
CLARKSON RUNS BY POTSDAM 18-11

Potsdam, NY - Clarkson University broke open a tight game with a nine-goal spurt staring midway through the third quarter as it handed cross-town rival Potsdam State its first loss of the season with an 18-11 victory at Hantz Field on Tuesday afternoon. Trailing 10-9 at 6:46 of the third quarter, the Golden Knights began their surge when junior Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) tied the game at 10-10 at 8:30. Senior Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) put the Green and Gold ahead for good at 10:19. Clarkson scored twice more in the third to take a 13-10 lead after 45 minutes. The Knights added five more unanswered goals in the third before the Bears (5-1) scored their 11th goal with just 16 seconds remaining in the game.

Freshman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) led the Knights offensively with five goals and three assists. Pafundi tallied five points, including three assists. Masterpole added four goals as Clarkson knocked off Potsdam for the second time in the past three years. Sophomores Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and Marc Douglas (Clay, NY) and freshman Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) each scored twice. Sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) chipped in one goal and one assist.

Senior Brian Austin and Eric Lehman led Potsdam with three goals each.

Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) posted 10 saves in the Clarkson goal, while Chris Serve made 18 stops in the Bears' net.

The Knights held a 51-41 advantage in shots and controlled groundballs 47-34. At 7-2 overall, Clarkson resumes Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action when it travels to league rivals Skidmore and Union this weekend.

April 14, 2001
KNIGHTS FALL to RENSSELAER

After a convincing 15-5 victory over Vassar on Friday, the Golden Knights came up short against Rensselaer on Saturday, losing to the Red Hawks 18-12 in Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action at Hantz Field. Clarkson scored the game's first goal when junior Mike Storms (Adams, NY) connected just 48 seconds in, but Rensselaer (6-3, 4-1 UCAA) took a 4-2 first quarter lead and held a 10-6 advantage at the half. The Red Hawks took control of the contest in the third quarter as they outscored the Golden Knights 5-2 to take a 15-8 lead after 45 minutes of play.

Sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) and freshman Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) scored three goals each for Clarkson. Storms added two goals, while senior Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) contributed a goal and two assists. Junior Mike Burgess (Watertown,NY) and sophomores Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and Marc Douglas (Clay, NY) each tallied one goal. Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) posted 15 saves.

Clarkson, at 6-2 overall and 2-2 in UCAA play , returns to action this Tuesday, April 17 when it hosts cross-town rival Potsdam State in a 4:00 p.m. non-league game at Hantz Field.

April 13, 2001
CLARKSON DEFEATS VASSAR 15-5

The Clarkson University Lacrosse team ran its record to 6-1 with a convincing 15-5 victory over Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) foe Vassar College Friday afternoon at Woodstock Field. The Golden Knights, who stand at 2-1 in the UCAA, host conference rival Rensselaer on Saturday in a 2:00 p.m. game at Hantz Field. The RedHawks lost 15-8 at St. Lawrence on Friday.

After a sluggish start against Vassar, Clarkson broke open a tight 2-1 game early in the second quarter by scoring nine unanswered goals to take a commanding 11-1 lead at the half. The Knights empty the bench in the second half and traded four goals with the Brewers over the final 30 minutes.

Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) led Clarkson with five first-half goals. Junior attackman Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) recorded seven points, including five assists. Freshmen, attackman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) and midfielder Pat Duggan (East Amherst, NY) each scored twice. Junior midfielder Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY) scored one goal and one assist, while sophomore attackman Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and freshmen midfielders Patrick Ryan (Canton, NY) and Drew Burke (Liverpool, NY) each chipped in one goal.

Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) started in the Clarkson goal and made three first-half saves, while allowing one goal. Junior Tom Sheridan (Fairport, NY) played the third quarter and posted four stops while giving up two goals. Sophomore Brian Pratt (Randolph, NJ) and sophomore Eric LaCourse (Webster, NY) split time in the final quarter posting five and four saves respectively while each surrendering one goal.

April 10, 2001
KNIGHTS SUFFER FIRST LOSS

The Clarkson University Lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season as St. Lawrence University defeated the Golden Knights 12-9 in Canton on Tuesday afternoon. Clarkson, with a 5-1 overall record and a 1-1 Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) mark, will look to resume its winning ways when it is scheduled to host league foes Vassar and Rensselaer this weekend.

St. Lawrence (5-3, 1-1 UCAA) jumped out to a 5-0 lead midway through the second quarter before the Knights finally got on the board with 9:13 remaining in the first half on a goal by freshman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY). The Knights rattled off two more scores, with sophomore Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and freshman Matt Owen (Watertown, NY) connecting, to cut the deficit to 5-3. The Saints, however, scored their sixth goal with just six seconds left before halftime to take a three-goal lead.

Clarkson came out with two goals to start the second half to make it a 6-5 contest. Sophomore Marc Douglas (Clay, NY) scored 28 seconds after the face-off followed by freshman Dan Amedro's (Syracuse, NY) goal at 3:43. St. Lawrence then outscored the Green and Gold 4-1 to take a 10-6 advantage after three quarters. After the Saints made it 11-6 early in the fourth, the Knights strung together three unaswered goals to cut the deficit to 11-9. St. Lawrence sealed the win with its 12th goal with 1:35 left.

Pearce, Bodkin and junior Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY) each scored two goals for the Knights. Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) and junior Tom Sheridan (Fairport, NY) combined for 14 saves in the Clarkson goal. Clarkson held a 44-26 shot advantage, while the Saints led in groundballs 43-41.

April 7, 2001
CLARKSON GOES to 5-0

The Clarkson University Lacrosse team improved its record to 5-0 with a 13-6 victory in its Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) opener at Hamilton College on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Knights are off to their best start since 1979 and have outscored their opponents 72-34.

Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) led the Green and Gold against Hamilton with five goals and two assists. Named UCAA Player of the Week earlier in the week, Masterpole leads Clarkson in scoring with 27 points on 21 goals and six assists. Junior attackman Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) chipped in three goals and two assists, while junior Mike Storms (Adams, NY) also scored three times. Sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) added two goals. Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) posted 12 saves in the Clarkson goal.

Clarkson will look to continue its winning ways when it plays at North Country rival this Tuesday, April 10 at 3:30 p.m.

April 3, 2001
CLARKSON's NICK MASTERPOLE NAMED UCAA LAX PLAYER OF WEEK

Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) was named the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Men's Lacrosse Player of the Week for his performance from March 26th-April 1st. Masterpole scored a total of nine goals and three assists in two Clarkson victories in the week. He scored five goals and added an assist in a 15-5 win over Plattsburgh State and scored four goals and two assists in a 14-7 win over Elmira. Masterpole has scored 16 times in four games and leads the UCAA in goals per game (4.0) and is fourth in league in points per game (5.25). He currently ranks 10th on Clarkson's all-time career scoring list with 145 points on 100 goals and 45 assists through 42 career games.

The Golden Knights are 4-0, their best start since 1988, and begin the UCAA portion of their schedule this Saturday at Hamilton College.

March 31, 2001
KNIGHTS STAY PERFECT at 4-0

The Clarkson University Lacrosse team ran its record to 4-0 with a 14-7 victory over Elmira College at St. Lawrence University's North Country Field on Saturday evening. The Golden Knights trailed 1-0 early in the first quarter, but then went on to outscored the Soaring Eagles eight to two to take an 8-3 lead at halftime. Clarkson outscored Elmira 4-2 in the third quarter and traded two goals with the Eagles in the fourth to earn the final seven-goal win.

Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) reached the 100-goal career mark with a four-goal outing against Elmira. Masterpole, who also tallied two assists in the win, leads the Knights offensively with 16 goals and five assists on the season. He currently ranks 10th on Clarkson's all-time career scoring list with 145 points on 100 goals and 45 assists through 42 career games.

Freshman attackman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) led all scorers in the game with five goals. Junior attackman Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) chipped in two goals and a game-high four assists. Sophomore attackman Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) added two goals and two assists, while junior midfielder Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY) rounded out the Clarkson scoring with one goal. Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) posted eight saves in the Clarkson goal.

The Knights' defense led by several jarring hits from sophomores Marty Thomas (Massena, NY), Rudy Perales (Norriton, PA) and Greg Arnold (East Amherst, NY) limited Elmira (1-6) to just 26 shots, while Clarkson unloaded 57 shots. The Knights dominated ground balls 42-27. Clarkson's face-off tandem of Burgess and sophomore Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) controlled the draws for the Green and Gold 15-8. Clarkson is off to its best start since the 1988 season and has outscored its opponents 59-28.

The Golden Knights return to action next Saturday, April 7 when they open Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) play at Hamilton College in a 2:00 p.m. start.

March 28, 2001
CLARKSON LACROSSE GOES to 3-0

The Clarkson University lacrosse team is off to its best start since the 1992 season after defeating Plattsburgh State 15-5 at St. Lawrence University's North Country Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Golden Knights improved their record to 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 45-21.

Clarkson held a 3-2 lead late in the first quarter over Plattsburgh (2-2), but then broke the game open with 10 unanswered goals, including seven goals on seven consecutive shots in the third quarter, to take a 13-2 lead after 45 minutes of play. Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) led the Knights offensively with five goals and one assist. Freshman attackman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) contributed three goals. Sophomore midfielder Matt Diana (Marshfield, MA) and freshman midfielder Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) each chipped in one goal and one assist each.

Clarkson jumped out to the early lead when sophomore defenseman Ryan McCarthy (Camillus, NY) converted a Cardinal turnover into an unassisted goal just 2:51 into the game. Junior midfielder Mike Storms (Auburn, NY) and sophomores Mike Kelly (Fayetteville, NY), Marty Reid (Hamburg, NY) and Greg Arnold (East Amherst, NY) also scored single tallies for the Green and Gold.

Clarkson used three goaltenders in the win, who benefited from a strong defensive effort as the Knights outshot the Cardinals 45-22 and controlled groundballs by a 44-23 margin. Clarkson held a 16-6 advantage on face-offs.

Senior David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) started in goal and posted six saves, while allowing two goals through 46 minutes of action. Junior Tom Sheridan (Fairport, NY) posted six saves on eight shots through seven minutes, while sophomore Brian Pratt (Randolph, NJ) made two stops and gave up one goal in the final seven minutes.

Clarkson returns to action this Saturday when it plays Elmira College at St. Lawrence beginning at 5:00 p.m.

March 24, 2001
CLARKSON WINS SECOND STRAIGHT

Junior midfielder Mike Storms (Adams, NY) scored three goals, including the unassisted game-winner three minutes into the sudden death overtime session to lift Clarkson to a 12-11 overtime victory at Alfred University on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Knights battled back from a 7-1 first-quarter deficit to pull within one trailing 8-7 at halftime. Clarkson outscored the Saxons 3-0 in the third to hold a 10-8 lead after 45 minutes. Alfred tied the game at 11 apiece at the end of regulation setting up overtime.

Clarkson's senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) led all scorers in the game with five goals and one assist. Junior midfielder Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) added two goals and an assist, while sophomore midfielder Mike Kelly (Fayetteville, NY) and freshman attackman Sean Pearce (Auburn, NY) chipped in one goal each. Senior goaltender David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) posted 15 saves.

Saturday's game against Alfred was to have been the first-round matchup at the 9th Annual Terrence O'Connor Tournament, which was cut short when the other two teams scheduled to participate - Amherst and Potsdam - opted not to make the trip to Alfred due to concerns over inclement weather. The Knights will try and make up their game against Plattsburgh State sometime this week. Clarkson is scheduled to host Elmira this Saturday, March 31.

March 17, 2001
CLARKSON WINS SEASON OPENER 18-5

The Clarkson University Men's Lacrosse team opened the 2001campaign in impressive fashion on Saturday afternoon with an 18-5 victory over Geneseo State at Colgate University. The Golden Knights dominated from the start taking a 9-1 lead after thirty minutes and then closed out the win with seven goals in the fourth quarter.

Junior midfielder Mike Burgess (Watertown, NY) led the way offensively with four goals, Senior attackman Nick Masterpole (Marcellus, NY) and junior midfielder Mike Storms (Adams, NY) chipped in two goals and one assist each. Sophomores, attackman Ryan Bodkin (East Amherst, NY) and defenseman Greg Arnold (East Amherst, NY) and freshman midfielder Dan Amedro (Syracuse, NY) added two goals apiece, while junior midfielder Jeremy Pafundi (Grafton, NY) contributed one goal and three assists. Sophomores, attackman Marty Reid (Hamburg, NY) and midfielder Mike Kelly (Fayetteville, NY) and freshman attackman Jeremy Taylor (Potsdam, NY) each scored one goal. Senior goaltender David Jay (Orchard Park, NY) made 10 saves through three quarters, while sophomore Brian Pratt (Randolph, NJ) posted three stops in the fourth quarter.

Clarkson is back in action this weekend, March 24-25 playing at Alfred Tournament. The Knights play the host Saxons in the first round on Saturday at 12 noon. Clarkson will play either Potsdam on Amherst on Sunday at either 11:00 a.m., or 2:00 p.m.