by Gary Adornato

The John Carroll lacrosse team experienced a makeover, with the loss of some great senior talent including UMBC freshman sensation Drew Westervelt, from last year's title team, but the Patriots were even more dominant in 2004 as they rolled through their Conference schedule unbeaten and went on to their second consecutive MIAA B Conference championship, capping the season with a 12-4 win over Park last night, in the championship game, at Towosn University's Johnny Unitas Stadium.

John Carroll (16-1), the Baltimore area's 11th-ranked team, made quick work of Park last night, storming out to an 8-1 lead by midway through the second period and coasting to the finish.

Senior Liam Gettier led the Patriots with three goals, while Ryan Hamill, Ryan Sariginnis and Bret Leppert each scored a pair.

According to head coach Keith Hinder, this second title was as satisfying as the first, especially since the team experienced such tremendous turnover.

"The first one was great because we had never done it before," said Hinder. "This is also special because we have a whole new group of guys. We only have one starter back from last year and we didn't know what to expect, but we came together very well."

Leading 2-1, John Carroll rattled off six straight goals, before Park's Paul Weitz finally ended the drought with a score with only 3:09 left in the first half. Sariginnis, who also had two assists, scored the only goal by either team in the third quarter, as the Patriots began to emphasize defense and the clock.

Park ended its year at 13-5.