The men's lacrosse team began its 2002 season on a positive note Saturday, defeating Butler 12-4. Midfielders Kevin Cassese and Dan Chemotti paced Duke's offensive attack with three goals apiece, and attackman Alex Lieske registered a game-high five assists.
Defensively, the Blue Devils were outstanding. Despite fielding an almost entirely new defensive unit after losing starters to graduation, Duke recovered nearly twice as many ground balls as the Bulldogs, and generally harassed its opponents into submission.
"The story of the game was our dominance on the ground and our [defensive pressure]," Duke coach Mike Pressler said. "Our defense really stepped forward today. It was very aggressive, very physical."
Sophomore Bill Gerrish, one of Duke's new starting defensemen, was likewise pleased with his unit's performance.
"I thought we played pretty solid," the defenseman said. "We've got kind of a new defensive mentality this year. We're trying to extend all the way from the sidelines to the endlines, trying to produce tons of pressure to force [opponents] to make mistakes."
Although pleased with his team's successful season-opening victory, Duke coach Mike Pressler noted that the Blue Devils were at times less than stellar.
"I don't think we were necessarily sharp offensively today," Pressler said. "I know our attack can play better.... We were not pleased with it, but that's okay."
"The offense was a little sloppy at times," Lieske said. "I thought we played a little more selfish than we usually do, but I feel like we're going to get that fixed."
Duke's main offensive highlights came from its first midfield line of Cassese, Chemotti and freshman Mark Rewkowski, who combined to score eight goals.
"We came out offensively and really took control of the game," Cassese said. "The shots weren't falling right away, but you could definitely see that we had the momentum right out of the gates."
Senior A.J. Kincel started in goal for the Blue Devils, and made six saves after facing only 25 shots.
Kincel, who sat behind Matt Breslin for three years, finally opened a season as Duke's starting netminder, and although he very much enjoyed getting rid of nervous jitters Saturday, he acknowledged that lopsided affairs are often uncomfortable.
"It is tough to get into a rhythm," Kincel said. "But I'll take that, because when the defense plays that well, it is all you can ask for."
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