Changing of the guard:

While Senior Night is supposed to be an opportunity to reminisce about the past, the men’s lacrosse team provided a glimpse into its future on Saturday night.

The end result was a bitter 12-9 loss to in-state rival Yale at Lessing Field, far from the expected outcome for a team that took Georgetown to the brink a week ago.

The story inside the game, though, was not Senior Night or a Yale victory, but rather the showcase of Fairfield’s freshmen talent and the changes the team is currently experiencing as it attempts to rebuild the program.

In many ways, a changing of the guard is already underway. Five freshmen experienced significant playing time against Yale. The young offense totaled 45 shots, the highest total for the Stags on the season. The core of the youth movement begins at attack.

Freshman Todd Baxter ’11 continued his recent surge since his insertion into the starting lineup with two goals and two assists against Yale.

This effort comes only a week after a two-goal effort against Georgetown and ECAC Rookie of the Week honors.

“Todd Baxter has really surprised me more than anybody. His first two games [have been] tremendous,” said Head Coach Ted Spencer.

“He has shown consistent play against top teams. I wish we had recognized him sooner.”

Baxter is far from the lone rookie at the attack position.

Freshman Doug Kuring ’10, who began the season with two game-winning goals and ECAC Rookie of the Week honors following an impressive outing against Providence, also receives extensive time.

Grant Devilbiss ’11 had two goals against Yale, his third goal in three starts at the attack position and fourth goal in as many games.

Despite the strong presence of prospects at attack, youth is just as rampant at the midfield.

Max Trunz ’11 scored a goal, his second of the season, against Yale.

Alongside Trunz, Ryan Mulford ’11 has also played strong of late, contributing two goals and an assist in his last two contests.

“These [midfielder] are doing great things every game,” said Spencer. “These young kids show a lot of promise”

Despite the lack of success, Spencer has continued to preach patience to his team. “This doesn’t happen over night, it is going to take some time,” said Spencer. “It is a lot to ask from them to go against a Georgetown or a Loyola and ask them to dominate.”

“They are just going to get better and better,” said Spencer.

The transition for the Stags will not get any easier in the coming weeks.

The Stags final home game this coming Saturday is against Loyola (Md.), a team enters the game ranked fourth nationally in the United State Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) coaches’ poll.

“At this point, we want to spoil other teams’ seasons,” said Spencer. “We seemed to rise to challenge against Georgetown, and I’m confident that the boys will do the same this week.”