2010 Preview: Pittsford

March 25, 2010 -

Pittsford
11-7 24 3

 March, 2010 - Pittsford returns as one of the stronger teams of 2010. The Panthers were seeded third in Sectionals last season and lost to Section Five Champion, Webster Thomas, in the semifinals 10-8. Pittsford finished 3-3 in league play with a 10-6 record overall. The Panthers only graduated six players from their 2009 roster and only one of those players received All League Honors as LSM Drew Moll finished with an Honorable Mention.

Offensively the Panthers graduated ten goals and three assists out of 158 points from last season. Their leading goals and points scorer, James Purpura, returns with 35g-17a. Leading assister, TJ Iuppa, who added 26g-18a also returns. Purpura and Iuppa look to lead the midfield with senior Thomas Rodenhouse, who will attend Lynchburg College in the fall. Purpura, who will attend Mount St. Mary's, will also continue to be a presence at the face-off. In the attack, Matt Gold (13g-6a) and Alex Kober (19g-11a) will look to produce offensively.

Defensively is where the Panthers shine. Last season they finished with the third lowest goals against average prior to the tournament with 5.5 goals against per game. Only Penn Yan and Canandaigua had fewer goals allowed. With the exception of Moll, the Panthers are returning their entire defensive unit. Goalie Alex Howell returns with 49 saves (55%) over 292 minutes of play. In the close defense Joe Dupra (Marist) and Justin McLiverty (Robert Morris) will continue to lead for the Panthers. Ryan Sullivan, who was named Honorable Mention in defense, will also return.

The Panthers have all they need for a deep Sectional run. Coach Andrew Whipple says, "We are hoping to be competitive among the elite in Section Five and make a strong run at the end of the season. It should be an exciting year."

With thirteen mandatory league games, Coach Whipple has scheduled Aquinas, Brighton and McQuaid Jesuit for their three remaining games. The first game of the season is against defending State Champion, Canandaigua and will be an early test for the Panthers.

Top Returning Players:

Top New Players:

Updated:03/26/2010