The Plymouth State Men’s Lacrosse team is off to a 4-3 start with a big conference win last weekend at Western Connecticut. Andrew Eriksen and Theo Akrivellis lead the team is points which were expected of the upperclassmen. The young guns have also stepped up. Freshmen Zach Frank has been a standout thus far and fellow classmates Adam Nassaf and Matt Miller have had a great campaign. Much of Plymouth’s success has come on the shoulders of goalie Kevin Hayes. Hayes is 3-2 with 31 goals against and is ranked third amongst LEC with a 7.67 goals against average. Monday he was named LEC goalie of the week, and today he’s On The Prowl.
Mike Moore: Right now, you guys are 4-3 with a big conference win against West Conn. How do you guys feeling coming into this next stretch of games?
Kevin Hayes: Conference games are always the most important. We just have to take it one game at a time. All the teams in the conference this year are competitive so were going to have to be ready.
MM: You were awarded LEC goalie of the week, Paul McInerney also won defensive player of the week. How has the defense been around you this year?
KH: The defense has always been strong for us, we play great together and everyone brings their own strength. We have a lot of guys who can get the job done and we know that 6 on 6 were tough to beat.
MM: Who is the worst athlete on the team?
KH: That is a tough one. I think we would need a contest to figure that one out because it’s too close to call. Andrew Eriksen runs like a girl though.
MM: April 2nd, Plymouth State defeated West Conn 5-2. How big was that win?
KH: That was a big win. Every conference win is big. They are a great team and to get a win on the road in a 5-2 game that was close the whole game, it was a definite confidence booster. Both sides of the ball played well, definitely a team effort. Now we just need to build off it.
MM: What is a typical game day like for you?
KH: Usually get up early, have a cup of coffee and start getting ready. When it comes to game time usually listen to some Pretty Lights or any Dub step music to get loose and after that its game time.
MM: What is your favorite children’s book?
KH: It’s a tie between Where the Wild Things Are and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, both classics.
MM: What is the team doing to stay up and stay motivated with the weather the way it is?
KH: Whenever we can get outside we try to take advantage of the opportunity, trying to make sure the practice is a productive one and making sure we stay focused on the goal and that’s trying to get better.
MM: One word to describe the 2011 Plymouth State Lacrosse team?
KH: Sexy
MM: Who is your worst dressed teammate?
KH: Almost every one is a great dresser, a lot of class on this team. Although, some do need to step it up. I’m not going to drop names; they know who they are…
MM: April 16th is your first scheduled home game. Why should everyone pray for warm weather so we can go to the game and root you on?
KH: We have great fans that come down and make their presence felt which is a big boost to us on the field. We only got three home games this year so every one will count and the fans are a great motivator. Besides I think everyone is ready for some nice weather anyways.