The bracket for the 2014 NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Championship has been announced, and the 17-0 Denison Big Red will host Centre College in the first round on Wednesday, May 7 from Deeds Field-Piper Stadium at 2 p.m. This is Denison's 21st NCAA Tournament bid in program history, and their ninth appearance out of the last 10 seasons.
Denison is one of three undefeated squads who have qualified for this year's NCAA Tournament, and the No. 4 ranked Big Red's 17 victories eclipsed the previous school record for wins (15) that was set in 1982 and 2012. In addition to setting a new school record in wins, DU has set new single-season records for goals (285), assists (163), and points (448).
Centre is 13-3 and the recipient of one of four Pool B bids to the tournament. The Colonels defeated Sewanee in the closing seconds of the Southern Athletic Association Championship with a short-handed goal and are winners of 11-straight. Centre is led in scoring by Connor Stubbs (48 goals), their three losses have come against Carthage (12-10), Roanoke (9-8), and Sewanee (18-7).
Denison enters this year's tournament with a talented squad led offensively by seniors Eddie Vita (34g;27a) and Chapin Speidel (22g;17a). First-year attack Luke Walsh leads the team in goals with 43. The DU offense is ranked fifth in the nation in goals per game (16.7), and boasts the largest margin of victory in all of Division III lacrosse at 11.5 goals per game.
At the other end of the field, senior All-American Austin Campbell leads a stout Denison defense along with poles Tommy Harrison, Drew Newman, Clint Barber, and short-stick Ben Hearn. The DU defense is ranked third in the nation, allowing just 5.24 goals per contest.
Earlier this week, Denison swept the North Coast Athletic Conference postseason awards with Vita taking home Offensive Player of the Year honors; Campbell was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, and Walsh earned the conference's Newcomer of the Year award.
Wednesday's game will mark the 32nd NCAA Tournament game in Denison history. Since 2009, Denison is 5-4 with a pair of NCAA quarterfinal appearances in 2009 and 2012. Of Denison's 21 NCAA appearances, they have played in the quarterfinal round on 12 occasions.
The first round game versus Centre will be streamed live in high definition by the Denison Sports Network beginning 10 minutes prior to the opening faceoff. Commentary will be handled by Tyler Moseley (play-by-play), and former Denison assistant lacrosse coach, Adam Stewart (color).
Tickets will be sold day of the game and will be available at both entrances to Piper Stadium. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for students, and $1 for children, 12 and under. The first 100 Denison students, faculty, or staff members with a valid Denison ID will be admitted free of charge.
