Completed Event: Men's Lacrosse versus Georgetown on May 10, 2025 , Loss , 12, to, 16
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Final
Men's Lacrosse
12
vs Georgetown
16
Crotty, Payton, Ross Selected As Men's Lacrosse Captains
11/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
DURHAM, N.C.?Duke University men's lacrosse head coach John Danowski recently announced the appointment of seniors Ned Crotty, Sam Payton and Brad Ross as tri-captains for the 2009 season. The trio of midfielders will lead the Blue Devils in their quest for a third straight ACC Championship and third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
“I couldn't be more proud of who the team selected to serve as captains this season,” Danowski said. “Ned, Sam, and Brad each bring different qualities to the table and will be excellent leaders for us on and off the field this year.”
A two-year starter at midfield for the Blue Devils, Crotty returns as one of Duke's leading scorers. Crotty ranked fourth on the team in scoring in 2008 with 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points. As a sophomore, he was third in scoring with 33 points and was voted to the NCAA All-Tournament Team after registering five goals and two assists during the championship weekend. For his career, Crotty has played in 47 games and scored 42 goals and 26 assists for 68 points.
“Ned has earned his stripes over the past two years and has consistently performed well in big situations,” Danowski said. “His love for competition and dedication to the team and program has earned him the respect of every one of his teammates.”
The Blue Devils top faceoff man in 2008, Payton saw action in 19 games last season and tallied three goals and four assists. He went 175-125 at the “X” for a .593 success rate and ranked second in ground balls with 82. He won 14-of-19 restarts against Maryland to help Duke to a 15-7 win over the Terrapins. Payton matched that win total again versus Dartmouth and was 13-of-17 in the Blue Devils' NCAA Tournament game against Loyola.
“Sam is one of the most unselfish players I have had the opportunity to coach in all of my years,” Danowski said. “His work ethic and willingness to do the little things on the field that help a team win games has been recognized by his peers.”
Ross rounds out the trio as a second-year captain for the Blue Devils. A two-year starter for Duke in the midfield, Ross was fifth on the team in scoring in 2008 with 33 points from 25 goals and eight assists. He tallied a career-high four points (3-1) in Duke's regular season win over Maryland and against in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal victory versus Ohio State. For his career, Ross has played in 67 games and registered 55 goals and 20 assists for 75 points.
“Brad brings with him great experience,” Danowski said. “He has seen and been around a lot of interesting situations during his time, has gained a tremendous amount of experience working with Matt and Zack last year. He leads by example as a graduate student, in the weight room and on the field.
The Blue Devils kick off the 2009 season on Feb. 14, hosting Bucknell University at 1 p.m., at Koskinen Stadium.
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Players Mentioned
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