BAYHAWKS STRENGTHEN TRANSITION GAME WITH COSTABILE AS FIRST PICK
PHILADELPHIA, PA. The Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) added 9 rookies in the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft on Friday, January 13th. Head coach Dave Cottle and general manager Brian Reese focused on the transition game with CJ Costabile as their first selection. The Collegiate Draft was held at the Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and boasted appearances by many MLL stand-outs, including Bayhawks’ All-Star defenseman Michael Evans.
Long-stick midfielder Costabile was the 5th pick overall by the Bayhawks in the first round. The Duke University senior from New Fairfield, CT is a two-time USILA All-America third team selection and a two-time All-ACC team selection. During the 2011 season Costabile led team with 95 ground balls and ranked second in caused turnovers with 23. The defense standout boasts 232 ground balls and 31 points over his three year career with the Blue Devils. The rookie is sure to bring a new level of energy to the powerful Bayhawks’ transition game.
“CJ is a great athlete,” Reese stated. “He will play long stick middie and help in transition and facing off. He can make plays all over the field.”
With their second selection, 10th overall, Chesapeake selectedPrinceton University goalieTyler Fiorito. The Phoenix, MD native and McDonough High School graduate was a 2011 third-team All-American nominee and a two-time first-team All-Ivy League selection. In 2011 Fiorito ranked second in Division I save percentage (.615) and eighth in Division I goals-against average (7.53) with the Tigers.
Cos Cob, RI native and University of North Carolina midfielder Jimmy Dunster was selected in the third round, 22nd overall by the Bayhawks. Dunster tallied 51 points overall with 30 goals and 21 assists during his career with the Tar Heels. He was also selected to the Face-off Yearbook preseason second-team All-American and to the Face-off Yearbook preseason All-ACC Team for the 2011 season.
The Bayhawks had two consecutive picks in the fourth round. With the 26th pick overall, Chesapeake selected Pennsylvania State University attackman Matt Mackrides. The Newtown Square, PA nativegarnered All-CAA First Team recognition and led the team in goals (20), shots (80), and shots on goals (48) in 2011. With the 27th pick, the Bayhawks continued to boost their attack arsenal with Grant Kaleikau from the University of Delaware. Reigning from Germantown, MD, Kaleikau registered 20 goals and 27 assists for 47 pointson attack for the Blue Hens. He is Delaware’sactive career leader in assistsand posted 20 groundballs and five caused turnoversin his career.
In the fifth round Chesapeake selected Yale University attackman Matt Gibson (38th overall). The Point Lookout, NY resident boasts a First Team All-Ivy and a First Team All-New England selection. Gibson led the Bulldogs with 16 assists and ranked second on the team with 20 goals and 36 points in 2011. In the same year, Gibson was honored with the Walter T. Collins ’23 Award winner for the Team Offensive Most Valuable Player.
Towards the end of the draft Chesapeake focused on building depth in their midfield roster. University of Maryland midfielderDrew Snider was selected in the sixth round, 45th overall. Snider reigns from Seattle, WA and tallied 16 ground balls and 35 points from 25 goals and 9 assists in his career with the Terrapins. Fairfield University midfielder Brent Adams was selected with the 53rd pick overall in the 7th round. As an All-ECAC First Team selection, Adams boasts 62 career points for the Stags and resides in Norwalk, CT.
For their final pick in the draft, 61st overall, Chesapeake selected University of Delaware midfielder John Austin. From Shoreham, NY, Austin was previously selected in the 2011 MLL Collegiate Draft by the Bayhawks with their final pick, 48th overall but gained another year of eligibility at Delaware. Austin boasts a career total 24 points with 16 goals and 8 assists for the Blue Hens.
“We are excited about our draft,” Cottle stated. “We were very fortunate to fill several holes and get great athletes in the process. This draft is the beginning of a very exciting season.
The Bayhawks kick off their home season on May 5th and will be hosting a Cinco De Mayo Tailgate celebration. Don’t miss out on all the fun, fireworks, and the best lacrosse in the country. Bayhawks 2012 season tickets can be purchased online at www.thebayhawks.comor over the phone by calling the box office 866-99-HAWKS (42957). Reserve your seat today and don’t miss out on seeing the Chesapeake Bayhawks battle at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this summer.
