M. Lax looking to prove itself against Notre Dame

The tenure of new Penn men's lacrosse coach Matt Hogan and a season of great potential begins with a challenge tomorrow as Notre Dame, a final four team of a year ago, visits Franklin Field.

"It is definitely a big game," Penn junior co-captain Alex Kopicki said. "Every game is big, and we just focus on the next one, but the first game makes a difference. It sets the tone for the season."

Penn returns 22 players and six starters from last season (6-7, 3-3 Ivy League) when the Red and Blue finished third in the league.

Midfielders Kopicki and senior Mike Iannacone return following seasons of 13 and 11 goals respectively.

Senior co-captain Scott Marimow, whom Hogan believes could develop into an all-American level performer this year, leads a defense that could be amongst the Ivy's stingiest given Hogan's track record.

Hogan's Navy squad was the best in nation defensively two years ago.

In the offseason former head coach Marc Van Arsdale returned from whence he came to West Philadelphia, as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia. Hogan, a long time defensive assistant at the Naval Academy, brings a great deal of experience and energy to the Quakers.

"Folks are picking up on his intensity," Kolpicki said. "That's something we haven't had in the past. Change is always good."

A general feeling was that the Quakers underachieved somewhat last season, losing several close games and ending the season on a three game losing streak following their peak of being ranked No. 20 in the nation.

"We've always had the talent to compete in my opinion, it's been more of an attitude thing," Penn senior co-captain Scott Marimow said. "Coach Hogan has ridiculous amounts of energy in him, and he casts that energy on the team."

Despite the good relationship that has emerged between the coach and his new charge, there is a natural adjustment period for which must be accounted.

"It was necessary to break some bad habits and typically that's harder with seniors than underclassmen," Hogan said. "But these seniors have been great. They're the leaders of the team, and they've adjusted to what we're asking them to do."

Other members of the team focused on the new system Hogan has installed.

"They put in a new offensive and defensive scheme, and it will take a little while for everything to sink in," Kolpicki said.

That grace period might be short lived as this is a Quakers squad anxious to win -- now.

"We have a sense of urgency from our seniors," Kolpicki said. "They only have 13 games left and they provide great leadership and intensity."

And while the urgency is coming from the seniors, the expectations are coming from the coach.

"I think," Hogan said, "that this is a squad that can be better than they have been."

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