TOWSON, Md. --- Moravian College senior attack Mark Laratta, junior long stick midfielder Jimmy Schicke and sophomore defender Tanner Leslie have been named to the 2019 Landmark All-Conference First Team while Head Coach Dave Carty and his assistants were selected as the Coaching Staff of the Year.
Carty guided the Greyhounds to an 8-7 record this spring in his fourth year leading the program. Since guiding the Hounds back to varsity status in 2016, Carty has posted a 31-28 record, the program's first postseason berth in the 2016 ECAC Division III Mid-Atlantic Tournament, two winning seasons and the program's first 10-win season in 2016.
"Congratulations to Coach Dave Carty and his staff as they garnered Coach of the Year honors," commented Director of Athletics & Recreation Mary Beth Spirk. Since we brought lacrosse back as a varsity sport in 2016, Dave has built a strong foundation over these four years. Their winning overall record in a very competitive Landmark and non-conference play this year shows what Dave and his staff have done to build this program. The future looks bright as Dave continues to lead the team towards a Landmark championship."
Laratta, who was on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team the last two seasons, led the Greyhounds in scoring this spring with 41 goals and 26 assists for 67 points. He completed his career with school records of 133 goals and 197 points to go with 64 assists in 53 career matches. Laratta also had 33 ground balls and eight caused turnovers this season to go along with five man-up goals.
"Mark has been an unbelievable player for us," stated Carty. "He's an incredible scorer and has been for all four years. He led all players in the league in scoring this year. It will be tough to replace him next year."
Schicke, who was selected to the Landmark All-Conference Second Team a year ago and the First Team in 2017 as a freshman, registered 53 ground balls this spring; the second highest total on the team despite missing two matches, to go along with 27 caused turnovers, one goal and three assists. Schicke was 2-for-6 on face-offs as he started all 13 matches he played. Over the last three seasons, Schicke has recorded 142 ground balls, 56 caused turnovers, two goals, three assists and is 17-for-45 on face-offs.
"Jimmy has done a great job for us and has been a force in between the boxes for us," Carty commented. "He's a monster on Ground balls and plays a great face-off wing. He's a very coachable player and hard worker."
Leslie helped the Moravian defense allow just 9.28 goals-against this season including fewer than five goals in four of the Greyhounds' eight victories. He had 46 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers to go with one goal while starting all 15 matches. Leslie has 74 ground balls, 37 caused turnovers and one goal in 28 career matches.
"Tanner has been our number one cover guy all year," Carty said. "He's great on ball and can handle the clear very well. He's unbelievably aggressive and he'll anchor the close defense next year.
To view the entire 2019 Landmark Men's Lacrosse All-Conference Teams, visit http://landmarkconference.org/sports/mlax/2018-19/releases/0430219-mlax-awards.
