College lacrosse insider: Pressler stocking Bryant with LIers

Despite a nice high school career at Shoreham-Wading River, defenseman Ryan Mahoney had no firm offers to play lacrosse in college. Even worse, the former Shoreham-Wading River defenseman had just suffered a broken collar bone in a 2007 tournament that showcased seniors.

The night of his injury, Mahoney got a phone call. “It was coach Pressler saying, ‘We’re interested in having you play for us,’ ” Mahoney said. “I was in shock. Everybody in the lacrosse world knows him and he’s calling me.”

Pressler was the coach at Duke when three of his players were accused of rape. Pressler was forced out amid the scandal in April 2006, although an investigation later revealed the accusations against the players to be false. Pressler filed a lawsuit against Duke, which was later settled.

Pressler found a new home with then-Division II Bryant. After two successful years, the program graduated to Division I. In the three seasons since, the Bulldogs have gone 24-14 and will visit Stony Brook on Saturday.

“Starting over was difficult but very rewarding,” Pressler, 51, said. He compared building Bryant to his early years at Duke. “In 1991, Duke was the doormat of the ACC.

“What the administration has done for men’s lacrosse here has been spectacular,” he said. “We have our own locker room that is second to none in Division I lacrosse. We have the ability to schedule nationally. In my fifth year here at Bryant compared to my fifth year at Duke, we are far ahead.”

The recruiting of Long Island players has been primary, with nine this season. Anthony Iannello of Sachem North leads the defense with 15 ground balls. Mahoney and Max Weisenberg of Long Beach each have 10.

Mahoney is looking forward to coming home, saying, “This is my last opportunity to play there. I have family and friends coming. It’s going to be very special for me.”

Pressler’s 16 years at Duke have faded into the background. He enjoyed seeing his old school win its first national championship last season, but he’s putting the pain of that final episode behind him.

“I’m very loyal to the people here for giving us a chance to start over and get our lives back,” he said. “ is in the rear view mirror, we don’t think about it much. It’s in the past. They’ve moved on, we’ve moved on. We’re doing fine, the Blue Devils doing fine.”

HOFSTRA'S SERLING OUT FOR SEASON

Graduate student Steve Serling, who suffered a lacerated spleen against Harvard nearly three weeks ago, will be lost for the season, Hofstra coach Seth Tierney announced. Serling, who played at South Side High School, had three goals and six assists in four games. He is not sure if he will play again in college, saying, “I’m hopeful that things will work out but at this time I’m uncertain.’’

BINGHAMTON COACH RESIGNS

Ed Stephenson abruptly resigned in his 10th season as the Bearcats’ coach. In an e-mail sent to players and their families, Stephenson said he was upset about the circumstances surrounding the university’s suspension of three players (none from Long Island) who are alleged to have been in a fight with a fourth individual.

Binghamton spokesperson Gail Glover issued this statement: ``The students were formally suspended from the athletic program as soon as athletic department staff and coaches were made aware of this incident. Behavioral issues are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.’’

FROM MANAGER TO  CAPTAIN

Hofstra’s Bettina Mianulli was not satisfied being the team’s manager. Mianulli watched and learned and not only made the team but became a captain.

“You can do anything and accomplish anything,’’ the senior defender said. “You can make a huge impact and have a great time doing it.’’

Mianulli, who played field hockey as a freshman, didn’t make the lacrosse team until her junior year. “We thought she wasn’t ready,’’ coach Abby Morgan said. “She took every opportunity to learn and get better. She took the footwork of field hockey and turned it to the footwork of lacrosse. She blew us away.’’

Mianulli has 11 ground balls and five caused turnovers. Hofstra hosts Notre Dame Sunday at noon.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Zach Gray, senior attack, USMMA: Gray had two huge games, totaling 20 points. He had eight goals and an assist against Mount Ida. Then, against Maritime, he had five goals and six assists. Gray is ranked fifth in Division III with 25 goals and 12 assists. Gray, who is majoring in logistics, attended Boston College High School in Massachusetts.

RANKINGS

Division I - Men
1. Syracuse (6-0)
2. Virginia (7-1)
3. Notre Dame (4-0)
4. Duke (5-2)
5. Maryland (5-1)
6. North Carolina (5-2)
7. Villanova (7-1)
8. (tie) Hofstra (5-1)
Army (5-1)
10. Cornell (4-2)
12. Stony Brook (3-2)
Source: United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association

Division I - Women
1. Maryland (9-0)
2. Northwestern (7-0)
3. Duke (8-1)
4. Penn (6-0)
5. North Carolina (6-2)
6. Loyola (6-0)
7. Stanford (6-0)
8. Villanova (5-3)
9. Florida (8-1)
10. James Madison (6-1)
Source: Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association

Division II - Men
1. C.W. Post (9-0)
2. Limestone (7-0)
3. Le Moyne (3-1)
4. Merrimack (3-0)
5. Dowling (5-1)
6. Mercyhurst (4-1)
7. Mercy (5-1)
8. Queens 5-1
9. Bentley (0-1)
10. Adelphi (4-1)

Division II - Women
1. Adelphi (2-0)
2. Lock Haven (5-0)
3. Limestone (7-0)
4. (tie) Le Moyne (4-0)
C.W. Post (2-1)
6. Stonehill (5-0)
7. Mercyhurst (5-1)
8. West Chester (4-1)
9. Gannon (5-1)
10. Rollins (6-2)

Junior College - Men
1. Onondaga (2-0)
2. CCBC-Essex (2-0)
3. Nassau CC (4-1)
4. Suffolk CC (4-1)
5. Harford (4-1)
Source: National Junior College Athletic Association