Date: January 13, 2003
Contact: Brian Laubscher (540) 458-8676
Release: Upon Receipt

W&L LACROSSE CLAIMS THREE PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS
Conners, Melanson First Team; Sanders Honorable Mention

Junior goalie Ansel Sanders

TOWSON, Md. -- The Washington and Lee men's lacrosse team placed three players on the Inside Lacrosse/Face-off Yearbook Preseason Division III All-America team.

Senior midfielder Tom Melanson (Baltimore, Md./Loyola) and senior defenseman Matt Conners (Burke, Va./Robinson) both were named to the First Team All-America squad, while junior goalie Ansel Sanders (Weems, Va./Woodberry Forest) was named to the honorable mention team.

Melanson earned his honor as a face-off specialist after winning nearly 62 percent (172-108) last season, while also adding eight goals and one assist. Following the season, Melanson garnered Honorable Mention USILA All-America honors.

Conners was named First Team All-America as a long-stick midfielder after earning Third Team USILA All-America honors last season. He was a major factor is the Generals' defense finishing second in the country in goals-against average (6.11) last season.

Sanders was named to the honorable mention squad after earning Second Team All-ODAC laurels last season. Sanders started all 18 games in goal, finishing third in Division III with a 6.09 goals-against average. He also posted a .601 save percentage between the pipes.

Washington and Lee returns eight starters and 29 lettermen from last season's squad which went 14-4 overall. The Generals won the ODAC Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals before falling to eventual runner-up, Gettysburg.

-- GENERALS --