The Case For Stony Brook
There’s no question Stony Brook returns one of the strongest teams in the nation. Two record breakers, Kylie Ohlmiller, who set the Division I single-season points record in 2017, and Courtney Murphy who set the NCAA goals record in 2016, will set the tone. Kylie’s sister Taryn is also back after a 101-point season, as well as top draw specialist Keri McCarthy. The No. 1 defense and No. 3 offense in the country bodes well for a team that didn’t graduate many and will host the NCAA final four.
The Case Against Stony Brook
The Seawolves’ biggest losses are midfielders Dorrien Van Dyke, who finished third in points, and Kristin Yevoli, who was second in draw controls. Spallina has plans in place for players to step in their shoes, but the draw as a whole remains a big question mark. It was the one area that blatantly stood out in the quarterfinal loss to Maryland. The Terps had a 19-7 edge. “I think personally we wore out in that game in the sense we didn’t have the ball enough,” Spallina said. “I have both my assistants working tirelessly on that.”
Path to the Playoffs
As the five-time reigning America East champion with its biggest competition in Albany, Stony Brook’s non-conference schedule will provide the means necessary for a competitive bid in the NCAA tournament. The season starts in California against the Pac-12’s top teams, USC and Stanford, followed by Denver and Northwestern. If all goes well, a win in an April tilt against Penn State could solidify a seed and a potential first-round bye for the Seawolves.
Players To Watch
Brooke Gubitosi, D, R-Sr.
55 CT, 46 GB
For the No. 1 defense in the country, the redshirt senior unquestionably leads the way. Gubitosi sat fifth in Division I last season with 2.75 caused turnovers per game. She was a first-team All-American and America East Defensive Player of the Year.
Courtney Murphy, A, R-Sr.
100 G, 64.9 SH% (2016)
Murphy penned an open blog recounting her tough path to recovery since tearing her ACL, later telling US Lacrosse Magazine that she wanted to write her own ending. Setting the NCAA goals record in 2016 was a highlight of her career, but hoisting a trophy in LaValle Stadium would be better, she said.
Kylie Ohlmiller, A, Sr.
164 PTS, 54.9 SH%
Kylie Ohlmiller is a shoo-in for the Tewaaraton Award in 2018. She topped the points record set by the first-ever Tewaaraton recipient Jen Adams. What’s next? “She’s the best player on the planet, period. Case closed,” Spallina said. “I may be a little biased, but her body of work speaks for itself.”
National Rankings
Category
|
Rank
|
Value
|
Offense |
3rd |
16.09 GPG |
Defense |
1st |
7.27 GAA |
Draws |
18th |
14.45/game |
Ground Balls |
83rd |
16.68/game |
Caused TO |
22nd |
10.68/game |
Shooting |
2nd |
51.1% |
FP Shooting |
13th |
49.5% |
Yellow Cards |
35th |
32 |
Assists |
1st |
10.09/game |
Turnovers |
3rd |
13.41/game |
Shots |
23rd |
31.50/game |
Power Ratings (Scale of 1-5)
Offense
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Defense
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goalkeeping
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Draw
⭐⭐⭐
100
Points scored by three attackers on the 2018 roster, Courtney Murphy (116 in 2016), Kylie Ohlmiller (164 in 2017) and Taryn Ohlmiller (101 in 2017). “When you return three 100-point scorers for the first time in NCAA history, that’s pretty cool,” said Spallina. Which team can stop that firepower – or can any?
5-Year Trend
Scoring Defense
Year
|
Rank
|
DC/G
|
2013 |
1st |
5.65 |
2014 |
1st |
5.33 |
2015 |
1st |
5.50 |
2016 |
2nd |
6.10 |
2017 |
1st |
7.27 |
Coach Confidential
Joe Spallina
“Finishing the year in the top five, being a preseason top five and hosting the tournament, a lot of focus goes in that direction. We have to stay healthy. The motive will be there.”
Enemy Lines
Rival Coaches
“Adds Courtney Murphy back to the lineup with the two Ohmiller sisters and a talented goalie, Anna Tesoriero. ... One of the toughest offenses to defend in the country. So much offensive firepower and added incentive of playing on their home field in a final four – watch out. ... The Ohlmiller sisters return (including one who was flat-out robbed of the Tewaaraton last spring), with Courtney Murphy, which make this team the most dangerous offense in the NCAA. Add in that stifling defense and the Seawolves finally break through and win the big trophy next May. ... A ton of good returners and a lot of hype for this team this season. ... Stingy defense and a team of athletes and arguably the best attacker in the country. ... Will be eager to make it to the final four on their home turf! ... Ten returning starters with the best player in the country and a chip on its shoulder. ... Ohlmiller sisters reload and Murphy returns from ACL. ... Will be the best offense in the country. ... Graduations in the middle of the field, but great defense and offense. ... Best player in the country. ... Playing with something to prove. ... Offensively, they work together very well. They connect the dots, and they’re good shooters. ... I think they’re going to be great. They’re exciting to watch. They score a lot of goals, their defense is strong. The key for them will be how they are in the midfield. You can’t be weak there and expect to win. ... They are typically one of our toughest games on the schedule. Stopping their scoring is so difficult.”