CNBNews

HOBOKEN, N.J. (January 7, 2010) – Junior goalkeeper Dave Decker (Califon, N.J.) and junior defenseman Zach McHugh (Delray Beach, Fla.) were both honored in Lacrosse Magazine’s Yearbook ’10. Decker was named the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and a first-team preseason All-American, while McHugh was tabbed a preseason honorable mention All-American. Both players were preseason all-conference as well, and the Ducks were predicted to take third in the Empire 8 behind Ithaca College and Nazareth College.

Decker was a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association second-team All-American after a strong 2009 campaign. The then-sophomore went 11-6 in the cage, totaling 185 saves and a goals-against average of 8.25. His save percentage was .599 and he also picked up 23 ground balls and recorded one assist. He was named the Empire 8 Goalkeeper of the Year. As a rookie, Decker allowed 75 goals and made 128 stops. He has 275 saves, a save percentage of .622, and 48 ground balls in his two-year career. Decker’s overall record in goal is 19-12.

McHugh has been a leader of the nationally regarded Stevens defense the last two seasons. In 2009, he led the team with 35 caused turnovers and was second with 54 ground balls. McHugh was named All-Metro and second-team All-Empire 8 after his strong ‘09. As a rookie in 2008, the Delray Beach, Fla. native scooped up 29 ground balls and caused 17 turnovers. In his career he has two goals, three assists, 83 ground balls, and 52 caused turnovers.

Stevens finished the 2009 season with an overall record of 12-6 (6-2 Empire 8) and reached the Empire 8 Championship semifinals before falling to St. John Fisher College in a heartbreaker. The Ducks went on to win the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Metro/South Championship over Drew University. 

Stevens will open the 2010 preseason during the last week of January and its first game will be on February 20 at Muhlenberg College.