Hicksville's Janssen leads Adelphi
Undated file photo of Adelphi men's lacrosse goalie Eric Janssen. Credit: John Byrum
BALTIMORE -- For Adelphi to win the Division II men's lacrosse national championship Sunday against Mercyhurst, Panthers junior goalie Eric Janssen may have to be both a stopper and a starter.
The second-team All-American from Hicksville is No. 1 in the nation in save percentage among Division II goalies. But Mercyhurst generally plays a slow-down style and if the Panthers are to get their vaunted transition game going, Janssen may have to trigger the fast break himself.
"They're a very well-disciplined team. They use a good amount of possession time," said Janssen, in his first year as a starter. He spoke by phone to Newsday after the team's first workout in the Baltimore area, at Loyola College, on Friday.
"They work the ball around looking for good scoring opportunities. They're patient and they don't take stupid shots. So if we get the opportunity on a save or a ground ball, we definitely want to capitalize on fast-break opportunities."
Janssen got his first college assist in last week's semifinal victory over Limestone College and said the Panthers try to use his stick skills.
"We have fast-break drills in practice and some of them are specially designed to incorporate the goalie on outlet passes to the defense and the midfield," said Janssen, whose save percentage of .661 was tops in the nation. "It's nice to look up and see someone breaking out to create a little transition."
Adelphi coach Gordon Purdie told the national lacrosse media in a conference call earlier in the week that Janssen "probably has more game balls in his locker than we have in our ball bag.
"He's been an incredible asset to our team with his saving capabilities and we can do a lot more things with him. He has made everybody better. When other teams get quality shots, he seems to come up with that elusive save."
Even though Mercyhurst surprised top-seeded C.W. Post with a 14-4 victory last weekend, the Lakers generally do not push the pace. "Yes, Mercyhurst does slow it down," Purdie said. "Possession is going to be key. Ground balls are going to be key."
And his goalie may hold the key to unlocking some offense if Mercyhurst controls the clock. "We're going to be looking to push the ball from Eric," Purdie said, "because Eric's got a great outlet pass."
Janssen has numerous ways to save the day.
