John McClure would lead the country in goals and points.
Oakdale, NY- A trip to the NCAA Division II Semifinals would be the culmination of a spectacular 2010 season for the Dowling Men's Lacrosse team, with many individuals earning awards and honors throughout the year.
After a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2009, the Golden Lions would have an unprecedented turnaround, compiling a 12-2 record while reaching the NCAA Division II National Semifinals for the second time in program history. Their season would begin with a convincing 13-8 victory over St. Andrews College to start Dowling off with a win. Their first big test would come as they hosted conference foe and No. 3 ranked Mercyhurst College. Despite a hard fought battle, the Golden Lions would fall 8-11.
Because of the always tough East Coast Conference and the fact that only four schools are selected to participate in the NCAA DII Championships, the Golden Lions had their back up against the wall and knew they would need wins for the remainder of the season. Dowling did just that as they went on to record an 11 game win streak, starting with a 9-8 victory over Adelphi University on March 13. Three more conference wins against unranked opponents would come their way before they met their next big test on March 27th as they hosted the 2008 National Champion and No. 6 ranked New York Institute of Technology. The Golden Lions would record a 16-11 win in that game, shutting down the Bears and changing the national rankings in the process.
After a 21-8 win over Molloy College, Dowling would see themselves traveling to C.W. Post University on April 10. As defending National Champions and No. 1 ranked in the country, the Pioneers would be the largest road block to an NCAA appearance for Dowling. A strong second half as well as exceptional play from Ryan Dougherty and the Dowling defense would preserve the 8-7 win, handing the Pioneers their first home loss in over two years.
Dowling would finish up the regular season with five more wins to cap off the eleven game streak, leaving them to await word on a possible Final Four appearance. Surrounded by family, friends, and administrators on the Dowling campus, the team would erupt into cheers as they learned they had received their second NCAA playoff bid in four years.
The Golden Lions would once again travel to Hickox Field to face the C.W. Post Pioneers. With Dowling getting on the board first, both teams would exchange leads throughout the game, knowing that a National Championship was on the line. Despite their best efforts, the Golden Lions would be on the losing end of a 1-goal game as Dowling fell, 8-9.
Ending the season at 12-2, the Golden Lions would still have plenty to cheer about. Five members of the team would earn USILA All-American honors as John McClure, Kyle O'Brien, Joe Biondolillo, Kyle Rubisch, and Ryan Dougherty would each receive the prestigious recognition. Biondolillo would also go on to be named the USILA Long-Pole Midfielder for the second straight year.
ECC Coach of the Year Tim Boyle, who has now earned 92 wins as head coach, looks forward to another run at the Championship. "I can't say enough good things about our players and especially the families and fans who have supported us all year. I'm extremely proud of everything we have accomplished both on the field and off."
The Men's Lacrosse team would also go on to earn the Dowling Team Community Service Award for their contributions to numerous causes throughout the year. Proceeds at the Wishmakers Lacrosse Fall Classic and the sales of stars would help raise over $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by their team alone. In addition to donating numerous bags of clothes to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation, the team would also adopt a child through the Friends of Jaclyn program, a foundation designed to help teams throughout the country take on children with brain tumors as a member of their team.
With many returning athletes and new talent coming on, the Golden Lions are confident that another successful season is in the future.