Dec. 16, 2008

Providence, R.I. - The Providence College men's lacrosse team was picked to finish second in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in Inside Lacrosse's 2009 Face-Off Yearbook. Canisius, which won the 2008 MAAC tournament, was picked to win the league. Senior midfielder Bobby Labadini (Westford, Mass.) and junior midfielder Jackson Fallon (Arlington, Mass.) were Preseason All-Conference Team selections.

After Canisius and Providence, Siena was picked third, followed by VMI and Manhattan. St. Joseph's was picked fifth, while Marist, Mt. St. Mary's and Wagner rounded out the league, respectively.

Providence has been a consistent player in the MAAC Championship race over the past decade. The Friars have appeared in the conference tournament in eight-consecutive seasons and have captured four MAAC Regular-Season titles (2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008). PC has also won the MAAC Tournament in three of the last five seasons (2004, 2006 and 2007) and advanced to the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament during each of those campaigns.

A Preseason All-Conference selection at short stick defensive midfielder, Bobby Labadini registered 16 points on 12 goals and four assists in 2008 and had three goals in the Friars' 11-5 win over Canisius on April 26. For his career, the 6-1 midfielder has posted totals of 36 goals, 16 assists and picked up 54 ground balls.

Selected as an All-Conference midfielder, Jackson Fallon posted 23 points on 14 goals and nine assists last season, including four point games against Manhattan and Mt. St. Mary's. Fallon has recorded 32 points on 21 goals and 11 assists during his first two seasons with the Friars.

Providence opens the 2009 season at the Carrier Dome against defending national champion Syracuse on February 15. The team opens the MAAC portion of its schedule on March 14 at VMI.