Ithaca College Men's Lacrosse: Josh Della Puca Feature
- Gus Weinstein
- Mar 9, 2018
- 2 min read
Key Points
Game Against Oswego
Leadership
Room For Improvement
After beating Lycoming College 17-8 last week, the Ithaca College men’s lacrosse team—who entered the season ranked 17th in the nation by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association—hosted Oswego State on South Hill this past Wednesday.
Game Against Oswego
Junior Josh Della Puca led the way with one goal and two assists as the Bombers rolled passed an overmatched Oswego State team 14-5 in an incredibly dominate display of defense.
Ithaca, who started the season 2-0 with two easy victories over out-of-conference opponents, is headed to Virginia Beach next week for their annual Spring Break trip.
“We started the season well,” said Della Puca. “The team’s we play in Virginia are much better than the teams we’ve played so far. We’re excited. The trip is the perfect test for our team.”
Leadership
Della Puca—an integral part of the Bombers offense over the last three seasons—powered Ithaca to an impressive 13-4 record last year. Even though the Bombers missed the NCAA Tournament by the slimmest of margins, Della Puca is confident in this year’s team.
“Our team definitely learned from last year,” said Della Puca. “I’m confident in our team’s ability, maybe even more than last year, to get back to the tournament. We have some really talented players and some quality leadership.”
Even though the Bombers started the season perfect, Della Puca believes they have plenty of room to improve.
“The seniors last year really lacked vocal leadership,” said Della Puca. “Even though we were extremely talented, we lacked accountability. I think that’s something we can built off of, the seniors and the juniors really need to help the young guys hold everybody accountable.”
Room For Improvement
Last season, the Bombers missed the NCAA Tournament in heartbreaking fashion. Although they had the record and accolades to do so, the selection committee omitted them from the tournament and refused them entrance, which would’ve meant their third NCAA Tournament bid in four years.
“It was heartbreaking, really,” said junior defensive-men Aaron Sanchez. “We thought we had the record to make the tournament, but [the selection committee] didn’t select us. We’re definitely looking forwards to proving them wrong this year.”
Della Puca earned All-Conference First Team honors for the Bombers last year by posting 48 points, on 29 goals and 19 assists—both second best on the team.
Although last season ended abruptly, the Bombers and Della Puca are ready for redemption. They play in their first ever Liberty League game this Saturday against Skidmore College at 12 P.M.
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