University of Massachusets Athletics
Lacrosse Sign Eight to Letters of Intent
December 20, 2002 | Men's Lacrosse
Dec. 20, 2002
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts head lacrosse coach Greg Cannella has announced the signing of eight student-athletes to national letters of intent to attend UMass and play lacrosse. The student-athletes will attend UMass beginning in the fall of 2003.
"We are extremely happy that these student-athletes will become part of our university and lacrosse program," said Cannella. "We think they all possess the talent and character that we look for. We hope they can come in and help us continue the tremendous success we've had the past two years."
The Minutemen are coming off a season in which they went 12-4 and reached the NCAA Quarterfinals. Over the past two seasons, UMass is 24-6. This year's season begins Feb. 22 against Sacred Heart at Garber Field in Amherst at 1:00 p.m.
Matt Tundo - (Orchard Park, NY) - Attack
Tundo was an All-American selection as a Junior at Orchard Park High School, and a two-time member of the Western Empire State Team, while being named All-Western New York three times. Matt is the brother of current UMass Attackman Gene Tundo, who was named the ECAC Rookie of The Year in 2002.
Andrew Reccione - (Ramapo, NJ) - Midfield
All-American selection as a Junior at Rampo High School in New Jersey, where he starred in football as well as lacrosse. Reccione is a tremendous competitor who possesses great speed and toughness from his midfield position.
Matt Carroll - (Ridgefield, CT) - Defense
Team Captain in '02 and '03. Carroll was twice named All-State and All-FCIAC and was a member of the Connecticut Super Junior Select Team. Carroll recorded 4 goals and 5 assists from the defensive end in 2002. Matt was also a two-year starting outside linebacker and captain of his Class L State Champion High School Football team.
Brett Garber - (Avon, CT) - Attack/Midfield
Brett is the son of former UMass Head Coach Ted Garber (1991-1994), and the Grandson of Legendary UMass Coach, Dick Garber. Dick Garber is the all time winningest coach in Division I Lacrosse. This Connecticut Super Junior, and All-League Attackman should be right at home playing on Garber Field starting next Fall. Brett was also a member of Team Western New England and Team New England in soccer.
Brian Jacovina - (Hicksville, NY) - Midfield
Jacovina is a three-sport athlete from Holy Trinity High School, where he was named captain of each team. This three time All-League football player, and point guard of the basketball team was already named MVP in lacrosse twice while recording 265 points in three years on varsity. Brian was honored as a NSCHSAA All-Long Island selection three times and was a member of the 2002 Long Island Empire State Team.
Mike Gongas - (Comsewogue, NY) - Attack
Gongas recorded 86 points on 53 goals and 33 assists, and helped lead his team toward becoming Class "B" New York State Champions in 2002. Mike received All-League and All-County honors in Suffolk County in 2002, and will be captain of the 2003 Comsewogue High School lacrosse team. Mike was also a member of the gold medal winning Long Island Empire State Team in 2002.
Efosa Gubodia - (Baldwin, NY) - Goalie
Tremendous athlete from Baldwin High School, where he starred in football as well as lacrosse. Gubodia earned All-Conference honors in football, and will be captain of the lacrosse team this spring. This goalie from Long Island is regarded by his high school coaches as their "best athlete," and "most exciting player to watch."
Michael Baggetta - (Herndom, VA) - Midfield - Face-Off Man
Michael won 88% of his face-offs in 2002, helping him earn him All-Region honors. Baggetta was also named All-District in '01 and '02, leading his team to district titles both years. This Top 205, and Top Star Lax Camp All-Star also starred in football at Oakton High School in Virginia. Michael was a two-time All-District football player and captain his senior year, leading his team to the state finals in 2002.
