The men's lacrosse team lost to Farmingdale State by the narrow margin of 9-8 on Saturday to remain winless on the 2008 season. Their next match, also the team's home opener and first conference game, will be this Saturday, April 5 against SUNY Potsdam.

The team started the season March 6 when they faced Hartwick College and lost to the Hawks by a score of 18-3.

After their March 8 game against Alfred University was postponed due to weather, the Mustangs lost to Skidmore College, 18-5, and then to Keuka College by a score of 17-6.

The team then managed to lose its next match to Farmingdale State to have a current record of 0-4.

With the score tied 5-5 at the half, Morrisville nearly squeaked out a victory against the Rams, but Farmingdale attacker Joe Stroessenreuther scored with just over six minutes left on the clock to ensure the victory.

"The last game really showed us our talent and what we can do with it," said midfielder Oluwale Bamgbose. "We work hard and we play hard, win or lose."

Though they have yet to win a game, Morrisville has shown a lot of talent on the field this year. Eric Stein, a freshman midfielder from Oswego, NY, had two goals and four assists against Farmingdale.

Stein and freshman attacker Tim Bobbett of Cazenovia, NY, lead the team in scoring with five goals each. Stein also has eight assists on the year to lead the team.

Head coach Pat Yannarelli said he sees a lot of talent in a lot of his players, that it may just take a little time for things to come together and for the team to chalk up some wins.

"We are a young team and still adjusting to the college game," he said, "but the guys are very enthusiastic and working hard day in and day out.”

He added that the team is making minor adjustments to attempt to improve their record.  The team will have some very stiff competition in weeks to come, like taking on defending SUNYAC champions Cortland on the Cardinals home turf, but many players look forward to the challenge and think it will be good for morale.

Bamgbose said the team's expectations are very high right now and that they expect to turn a lot of people's heads with their performances this season.

Yanarelli shared the same kind of hopefulness.

"The players are looking forward to each and every challenge that is placed in front of them," he said.

With a total of only four home games on the season, Yannarelli added that he'd like to see a lot of local support for the Mustangs, especially for their home opener this Saturday.

He said each of his players sacrifices a lot of free time to be able to play and it would be nice to see some support from the student body.

"I would hope we can see support from their fellow classmates on Saturday," Yannarelli said, "and for the home games the rest of the year."

The Mustangs will take on SUNY Potsdam at 1 p.m. this Saturday.