GREENVILLE, Pa. – Coming off the best season in the young program's history, the Thiel College men's lacrosse team looks to build upon last season's 7-7 record in 2014 under the tutelage of third-year head coach Jeff Arneson.

This year's team will be led by senior midfielders Carmen Papa (Salamanca, N.Y./Salamanca Central) and Francis Ahia (Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills). Papa led the team last year in goals (36), assists (25), and points (61) while Ahia finished second on the team in assists (19) and third in points (37).  He also led the team in faceoff percentage with a 59.8 winning percentage. 

"Both are very versatile and skilled players."  Coach Arneson said of his two midfielders. "Papa and Ahia are all about hard work and have a ton of dedication … their statistics are unheard of for midfielders at this level."

The defense is under new leadership this year with the departure of assistant coach Tim Priskey, who is now the head coach of the Bethany Bison. Ryan Hilyer is Thiel's new assistant coach after serving the Tomcats last year as a volunteer assistant.

"Ryan was around last year and learned all of the schemes and tactics from last year, which has been key in a seamless transition."  Arneson said. "Ryan has also been a big help with faceoffs and keeping the other teams off of the scoreboard."

Hilyer will coach a defense led by returning seniors Taylor Zain (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North), Patrick Gill (Millvale, Pa./Shaler Area) and Josh Derricoatte (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights). Those three were a part of the top four on the team last season in caused turnovers with Zain leading the way with 18.

"Defense has been our strong suit, and having them all be seniors and leaders on this team is important in our development. Gill has been coming into his own and improving everyday on the field and in the weight room. Having them around is important in helping the younger players develop and adjust to the collegiate environment. Our goal is to improve every year and hopefully contend for a conference championship."

Manning the attack for the Tomcat offense will be returning upperclassmen Timothy O'Shea (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley), Zachary Macurak (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park), Alex Casile (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel), and Sean Loney (Linthicum, Md./North County). Those four were the top goal scorers from a year ago, along with Ahia and Papa. O'Shea finished a goal away from the team lead with 35 markers and finished third on the team in assists (16) and second in points with (51).

The Tomcats also welcomed seven newcomers to the roster this season. These newcomers hope to be a big part of the upcoming season and the future of the Tomcat lacrosse team.

The Tomcats open the 2014 season Saturday against Presidents' Athletic Conference (PA)C rival Washington & Jefferson. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.