Men's Lacrosse Holds Annual Awards Banquet

Sept. 24, 2005

AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass lacrosse team held its 2005 Team Banquet on Saturday afternoon at the Campus Center. Coach Greg Cannella handed out the tem awards in addition to the Minutemen's national and regional awards. The 2005 UMass team captured the ECAC Championship, New England Championship and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. They also tied the school record for wins a season with 13 and beat defending national champion Syracuse, twice, including the win to end the Orange's 22-year streak of reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals.

As part of the heart-felt and emotional banquet Cannella handed out the following team awards.

Paul Manesis was named the team's Rookie of the Year as a key contributor on defense in his first season.

The Most Improved Award was shared by long stick Dan Whipple and midfielder Pat Larmon, who became vital cogs in UMass' success last season after not playing much as freshmen.

The Most Valuable Offensive Player went to Sean Morris, who was the most decorated player for the 2005 Minutemen. The Most Valuable Defensive Player went to Jack Reid, who was the stalwart on the close defense all season.

Cannella handed out the Team MVP Award to two-way midfielder Brian Jacovina, for his do-it-all attitude and performance in so many areas on the field for the Minutemen.

The Hammer Award went to Greg Scott after his big hit in the Syracuse game as he became bloodied and the play was show on national television.

The Eric Sopracasa "Heart and Soul" Award for the player who gives it his all in honor of the late UMass player who died in 1999, went to captain Chris Doyle.

The final award handed out was the Goose Garber Award in honor of legendary coach Dick Garber. The award, given to Aaron Paskalis, signifies the most unselfish player with the best attitude who is a total team player who demonstrates the qualities of Coach Garber.

Cannella also awarded the following national, regional and conference awards at the event

Tewaaraton Trophy Finalist
Sean Morris

USILA All-Americans
Sean Morris (Second Team)
Jack Reid (Second Team)
Chris Doyle (Hon. Mention)
Jeff Zywicki (Hon. Mention)

NEILA New England Player of Year
Sean Morris

NEILA All-England Team
Chris Doyle
Matt Garcia
Brian Jacovina
Sean Morris
Jack Reid
Greg Scott
Jeff Zywicki

ECAC Player of the Year
Sean Morris

All-ECAC
Sean Morris (First Team)
Chris Doyle (First Team)
Jack Reid (First Team)
Jeff Zywicki (First Team)
Aaron Paskalis (Second Team)

North-South Game
Chris Doyle
Jeff Zywicki

East-West All-Star Game
Ryan Connolly
Aaron Paskalis

NEILA Senior Scholar-Athlete Team
Ryan Connolly
Chris Doyle
Greg Scott

ECAC All-Academic Team
Ryan Connolly