Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh men’s lacrosse senior reflections (Part 2)
4/18/2019 3:30:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's lacrosse senior class is large in both number (15) and impact (endless). This class features plenty of All-Patriot League honorees, a multi-time All-American and plenty of seniors who have made their mark in the program's record book. This class has helped extend Lehigh's Patriot League Tournament streak to nine straight years, the longest active streak in the league, while getting the Mountain Hawks squarely back into championship contention – especially over these past two seasons. Lehigh enters Senior Day tied for first in the league, squarely in contention for its first Patriot League Regular Season Title since 2013. This class has made an impressive impact off the field as well, with several owning GPAs well over 3.0, two Senior CLASS Award candidates, a senior who interned at the White House and much, much more.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day game vs. Bucknell, Lehighsports.com caught up with the 15 seniors to look back to, and reflect on, their careers.
Below is part two of the senior Q&A.
#35 Ralph Shields – Midfield – Coopersburg, Pa. – Management (Master's)
A local product out of Coopersburg, Shields has been a consummate team player who has made his mark in practice. Shields has also gotten into 11 career games, making his collegiate debut in the 2016 season opener against NJIT. He tallied a groundball in the 2017 opener, also vs. the Highlanders while last time out against St. Bonaventure, he collected a groundball as well. In the classroom, Shields owns an impressive 3.30 GPA in Management, garnering a spot on the Dean's List and the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career, while also earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
RS: Competing in the Patriot League in 2018 was one of my favorite memories because we got to spend so much time together and work toward the championship. I will never forget our overtime win against Navy in the semifinals.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
RS: I want to be remembered as a mentor for my teammates and to represent the work ethic that our program prides itself on. I want the younger guys to embrace leadership roles in all areas and know that everybody can make a positive impact on others.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
RS: Our class is a group of big personalities and I would call every one of my fellow seniors my best friend. It's crazy to think about how much each one of us has evolved since freshman year and I can't wait to see the success that life will bring this group of guys.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
RS: The ways in which I have grown as a player and as a man throughout my time at Lehigh are immeasurable and I will carry the lessons with me for the rest of my life. We've worked so hard to make it here and we have so much to be proud of. Let's keep this thing going as long as we can!
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
RS: I'm going to miss the feeling I would get coming back to Lehigh in the fall and in the spring for preseason. It's a mixture of excitement and nerves that I know will be hard to replicate after I leave Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
RS: I will be working at Lutron Electronics in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania as an Applications Engineer in the Construction Design and Development Program.
#39 William Gunn – Attack/Midfield – Steamboat Springs, Colo. – Finance
Gunn has been a major contributor in practice as an important member of the scout team. When he has seen action, Gunn dished an assist in his first-career game, the 2016 season opener. Against rival Lafayette, Willy scored his first-career goal late in the fourth quarter. Last time out vs. St. Bonaventure, Gunn collected four groundballs while seeing the most action of his career, which included starting the second half. In the classroom, Gunn carries a strong 3.33 GPA in Finance, earning a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll every year while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions as well.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
WG: Definitely watching Lucas Spence's overtime goal to send us to the PLC last year. I loved it because I am a huge fan of the underdog story, and this was a classic gritty underdog victory which Lehigh Lacrosse prides itself on!
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
WG: I'd like to be remembered as a hard worker and a good teammate that inspired others to do the same. The legacy I'd like to leave is an example of what can be achieved if you put in the hours and how it truly does pay off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
WG: They're my brothers. They've taught me a lot of great lessons on and off the field, and I am grateful to have been a part of such a talented and fun class that made such a memorable mark on Lehigh's program.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
WG: Definitely nostalgic. It's crazy. I remember the first day of my freshman year when the seniors told the team to cherish every practice because it goes by fast. I didn't believe them, thinking that four years was an eternity, but now that it's here, I'm mind-blown at how true that was.
My thoughts… really just want to finish our career with a ring on our finger. It's been a constant goal of the program, but it's definitely attainable this year. It's something the team, and especially the seniors, definitely deserve, and it's the only thing that I want for the end of my college career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
WG: The competition and the brotherhood. The guys I've gone up against my four years at Lehigh are some of the most competitive guys I've ever met. On and off the field, they compete with everything, and I love that. You really don't find that kind of competition many places, and the brotherhood that competitiveness created is something I'll always remember and miss about the program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
WG: They are still up in the air. Ideally, I want to find a job in New York City and pursue my passion of Finance. If that doesn't work out, I'd love to find something with lacrosse coaching. It's always been in the back of my mind, and I want to be a part of continuing to grow the game as much as possible.
#40 Eddie Bouhall – Defender – Lynbrook, N.Y. – International Relations
One of the top defenders in the Patriot League, Bouhall was named a preseason first team All-League honoree after garnering second-team laurels following his sophomore and junior campaigns. Bouhall played in 15 games as a freshman, starting three while recording 35 groundballs and 18 caused turnovers. He has only continued to improve since, recording 42 groundballs and 20 caused turnovers as a sophomore and 41 groundballs and 24 caused turnovers as a junior. Bouhall was on pace to do even better this season before he suffered an injury at Rutgers. Still, he recorded 20 groundballs and 11 caused turnovers through seven games, causing a turnover in five-of-seven contests. For his career, Bouhall's 73 caused turnovers are No. 3 in program history while he's added 138 groundballs. He was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week as a sophomore following a six-groundball, four-caused turnover effort in a 10-6 win over No. 16 Boston University.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
EB: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory was beating Navy in the semifinals last year. Being a part of that moment is something I can be grateful for because it allows me to realize the great memories that I can forever share with my teammates.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
EB: Throughout an athlete's career, it is important for them to leave some sort of legacy that will be passed down to further teams. After completing my Lehigh Lacrosse career, I would like to be remembered as the teammate who always had your back. From a young age, I have learned that forming chemistry among teammates is extremely essential to having a successful team. I found it important to build strong connections with my teammates and to provide positive energy for them when needed. The legacy I would like to leave behind is one of grit and determination. Determination allows myself to see the light at the end of the tunnel and furthers my grind to always becoming a better version of myself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
EB: The relationship with my class is one that has been growing for the past four years. I am grateful to be a part of this senior class because it is a special group of guys. We are all very closely connected, which makes it easier to get through the hard days of grinding. I am excited to see where everyone will be in five years and I know we will all still be connected.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
EB: Considering that this Saturday is Senior Day, I am extremely excited to see the Mountain Hawks get after it. This day assures the seniors that we have worked extremely hard for the past four years and now we can just go out and have fun. This day will allow the team to play for something bigger than ourselves, and we will rally our energy around the seniors. As my collegiate career is ending, I would love to achieve all of the goals we set in the beginning of the year and also get a ring on all of our fingers. With all the adversity the team has faced, it would be really special to become Patriot League Champs.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
EB: What I will miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse is my teammates/coaches and how they impacted my life. These past four years are filled with great memories with my teammates and I will never forget them. I am going to miss the countless hours around the team and having fun out on the field. Hard days seemed very easy to me because I've been able to build off other teammates' energy and continue to keep grinding.
What are your postgraduate plans?
EB: My current postgrad plans would be playing professional lacrosse for the Atlanta Blaze. I am grateful to be able to further something I love doing and I cannot wait for what the future beholds.
#41 Alexander Tumminello – Midfield – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Economics
Tumminello's 2019 season is historic for Lehigh men's lacrosse, as one of the top scoring seasons out of a midfielder in program history – currently 24 goals and 27 points, respectively. The Maryland transfer recorded five goals and two assists in 17 games last season, seeing significant time on the extra man. He has taken his game to the next level as a senior, leading the Mountain Hawks in goals and standing third in points. The first-line midfielder has continued to excel on the extra man, scoring six EMO goals to lead the team, a total that's tied for seventh in the nation. Tumminello has scored a goal in 11 straight games, including a stretch of four straight games with multiple goals. He had four big goals in Lehigh's win over No. 15 Rutgers, approximately one month after his first-career hat trick at No. 11 Virginia.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AT: Being a transfer, my favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory is meeting my new housemates (Craig, Lucas, Rimol, and Jackson) for the first time. I remember the first day we were all together. We were all sitting on our porch and soaking in the sun. It truly felt like I was one of the brothers already.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
AT: I want to be remembered as the guy who loved extra-work. The person who is constantly working on his craft when no one else is.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AT: Our senior class is much more than a senior class. This journey is an experience that has bounded us for life. We are brothers, and without question, the senior class will continue this bond post-graduation.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AT: I cannot believe how quickly it came. My mind is focused on winning because that is the only way we can keep this journey going.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
AT: I will miss the competitive nature of practice. We are able to chirp, hit and compete every day, but then laugh it off when off the field.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AT: I will be doing investment banking with Oppenheimer & Co Inc. in Manhattan, New York.
#44 Tristan Rai – Attack – Edmonton, Alberta – Psychology
Rai jumped onto the collegiate lacrosse season with a vengeance, finishing second on the Mountain Hawks in goals (31) and points (41) as a freshman. His 53.4 shooting percentage was good for No. 2 nationally, turning 58 shots into 31 goals. Rai's assist and point totals have increased every season, recording 46 points as a sophomore (24 goals, 22 assists) and 48 as a junior (23 goals, 25 assists). Rai has 10 career man-up goals, including two as a junior for Lehigh's potent EMO unit whose 63.4 percentage was No. 2 in NCAA history. Rai's 173 career points are good for sixth in program history, as are his 80 assists. He has 26 career multi-goal games and 16 career hat tricks; Rai enters Senior Day with multiple points in six straight games. In the classroom, Rai owns a strong 3.31 GPA in Psychology, being named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions, while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
TR: Beating Navy in the semifinals last year. Although we ultimately came up short in the finals, I still enjoyed the ride to get there. We really came together and played a great game against Navy and won in overtime. I know a few guys have probably said that this is their favorite memory as well. That game was a testament to all the hard work we put into the season.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
TR: I would like to be remembered as a guy who loved being around the team. I was always one of the last few guys in the locker room after every practice just hanging out. I would also like to be remembered as a guy who helped the younger players on the team, giving veteran tips here and there and showing them the ropes
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TR: Love these guys. We've all matured and grown so much since we first stepped on campus. We are such a tight-knit group and we have each others' backs no matter what. We all have a "chip on our shoulder" mentality. I'm going to miss hanging out with them every day.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
TR: It has been a great ride. I want to thank Coach Cassese for believing in me and taking a chance when he recruited me. I also want to thank every one of my teammates, past and current, as they've given me friendships that will last a lifetime. As I near the end of my career, I find myself thinking of where the time went. I can't believe that I have finished four years here. I'm grateful to everyone who made my experience so special.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
TR: I'll miss the downtime with my brothers on the team. The days and nights spent chilling with each other. I loved spending time hanging out with my teammates and will remember these times fondly. I don't think I will ever be as close with people as I am with my teammates, especially my classmates.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TR: I am still trying to figure it out. But I plan to play in the WLA (Western Lacrosse Association) again this summer and possibly try to play in the NLL (National Lacrosse League) as well.
#47 Kevin Tsao – Midfield – Mooretown, N.J. – Finance
Tsao is a well-respected teammate and key contributor for the Mountain Hawks in practice. After getting into one game each of his first two seasons, Tsao collected two groundballs (vs. Holy Cross and at Lafayette) in three games as a junior. He has gotten into three games so far his senior campaign as well, firing a shot last time out vs. St. Bonaventure. In the classroom, Tsao owns a strong 3.37 GPA in Finance, earning a spot on the Dean's List in his career while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
KT: My favorite memory up to this point is championship weekend in Baltimore last year. It was an incredible experience for us to beat Navy in overtime and earn a trip to the Patriot League Championship Game.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
KT: I'd like to be remembered as someone who brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm each day we got to spend together as a team. Besides the high bouncer, I want to leave a legacy of hard work on the white team offense.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KT: Our class is very close, which is impressive given how large it is. I feel like I could go on a cross country road trip with any one of them and never run out of things to talk about, to steal a line from Coach Scudder. These guys are my best friends and I can't wait to see what great things each one does after graduation.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KT: I'm incredibly thankful for all that the sport of lacrosse has given me in my life, especially at Lehigh. I'm most thankful for the friendships I've made and the leadership I've been shown by my coaches. As a walk-on, I thought after high school that my career may have been over, but getting to play four more years is something I'll always be grateful for.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
KT: I'll miss hanging out in the locker room with my teammates before practice. Somebody always has a ridiculous story to tell or a hilarious joke. We can all forget what's happening on the other side of the mountain and just enjoy playing lacrosse for a few hours each day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KT: I'm working as a Consulting Analyst at Accenture in New York City after graduation. I'll be rooming with fellow senior Jackson Monnin.
#49 Chris Kiernan – Goaltender – Chevy Chase, Md. – Political Science
Kiernan is extremely well respected by his teammates, serving as a senior captain. As a walk-on freshman, Kiernan would earn the starting spot by mid-season, ending the year with nine starts and a 48.0 save percentage. As a sophomore, Kiernan played in 10 games, starting eight with a 9.73 GAA and 51.0 save percentage, with a 4-4 record. Despite losing his starting spot, Kiernan has been all about the team and truly embodies a Lehigh Lacrosse man on the field, in the classroom and in life. He even interned in the Office of Presidential Correspondence at the White House, drafting correspondence on behalf of President Obama. Academically, Kiernan carries a 3.89 GPA in Political Science, posting two perfect 4.0 terms, being named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CK: Not sure I can pick just one favorite memory, so I will say two: the first time I got in to a game (at Army my freshman year) and the Patriot League Semifinal win against Navy last year. One was a very personal moment which showed how far I had come as a walk-on player, while the other was a great team moment which showed how much we had progressed as a team.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
CK: I would like to be remembered as someone who was a dedicated, team-first, selfless player who always brought my all every day and who cared deeply about my teammates and coaches.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CK: I have absolutely loved spending the past four years with my classmates. Through the ups and downs of college, we have all always been there for one another. I know that they will all be lifelong friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CK: Going into Senior Day, I am grateful for everything that this program has given to me the past four years. I am also definitely sad, as I have loved every minute of being on this team and working every day with my teammates and coaches. I will certainly miss it next year.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
CK: Lehigh Lacrosse has helped me develop so much as a person. I will miss being able to spend time with my teammates and friends every day. I know that I will be able to call all of my former teammates friends for life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CK: After college, I will be joining Alliance Bernstein as a Private Wealth Associate.
#99 Lucas Spence – Attack – Springfield, Pa. – Finance
Spence has truly developed into one of the Patriot League's best, and most feared, offensive players. After 20 points over his first two seasons, Spence finished second on the Mountain Hawks in goals (35), assists (23) and points (58) as a junior. He was named second team All-Patriot League following the regular season, but his biggest moment came in the semifinals against No. 11 Navy. Spence scored the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Mountain Hawks to their first league title game since 2014. This year, Spence returned from injury with a vengeance, scoring multiple goals in six straight games, posting 17 goals and 11 assists in that span, all Lehigh victories. Spence posted four points in Lehigh's win at Rutgers, two goals and an assist coming in the game's final 15:05 as the Mountain Hawks scored eight of the game's final 10 goals. Spence went on to post six points in consecutive games, vs. Lafayette and at Navy, as one of his diving goals around the crease at Navy was among the national plays of the week across numerous media outlets.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
LS: My favorite memory so far would be the Navy Patriot League semifinal game last season. It was an extremely exciting win for us and it brought us back to the Patriot League Championship Game.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
LS: I would like to be remembered for always competing my hardest for the team. I would hope my legacy can be that you don't have to be the biggest, strongest, fastest, or most skilled player, but you just have to want it more.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LS: Over the last four years, I have really gotten to know my classmates. They have become some of my best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LS: It is very odd going into Senior Day. I know it has been four years since I started my collegiate career, but it feels so much shorter than that. My main thought going through my mind about this day, and the season as a whole, is that we're not done yet. I still plan on playing a lot more lacrosse as a Lehigh Mountain Hawk.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
LS: I will definitely miss my teammates the most after I graduate. Luckily though, I will always be around watching the guys play because my younger brothers will be on the team.
What are your postgraduate plans?
LS: I am currently thinking about a couple of options for what I would like to do post-college, but nothing is decided yet.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day game vs. Bucknell, Lehighsports.com caught up with the 15 seniors to look back to, and reflect on, their careers.
Below is part two of the senior Q&A.
#35 Ralph Shields – Midfield – Coopersburg, Pa. – Management (Master's)
A local product out of Coopersburg, Shields has been a consummate team player who has made his mark in practice. Shields has also gotten into 11 career games, making his collegiate debut in the 2016 season opener against NJIT. He tallied a groundball in the 2017 opener, also vs. the Highlanders while last time out against St. Bonaventure, he collected a groundball as well. In the classroom, Shields owns an impressive 3.30 GPA in Management, garnering a spot on the Dean's List and the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career, while also earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
RS: Competing in the Patriot League in 2018 was one of my favorite memories because we got to spend so much time together and work toward the championship. I will never forget our overtime win against Navy in the semifinals.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
RS: I want to be remembered as a mentor for my teammates and to represent the work ethic that our program prides itself on. I want the younger guys to embrace leadership roles in all areas and know that everybody can make a positive impact on others.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
RS: Our class is a group of big personalities and I would call every one of my fellow seniors my best friend. It's crazy to think about how much each one of us has evolved since freshman year and I can't wait to see the success that life will bring this group of guys.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
RS: The ways in which I have grown as a player and as a man throughout my time at Lehigh are immeasurable and I will carry the lessons with me for the rest of my life. We've worked so hard to make it here and we have so much to be proud of. Let's keep this thing going as long as we can!
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
RS: I'm going to miss the feeling I would get coming back to Lehigh in the fall and in the spring for preseason. It's a mixture of excitement and nerves that I know will be hard to replicate after I leave Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
RS: I will be working at Lutron Electronics in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania as an Applications Engineer in the Construction Design and Development Program.
#39 William Gunn – Attack/Midfield – Steamboat Springs, Colo. – Finance
Gunn has been a major contributor in practice as an important member of the scout team. When he has seen action, Gunn dished an assist in his first-career game, the 2016 season opener. Against rival Lafayette, Willy scored his first-career goal late in the fourth quarter. Last time out vs. St. Bonaventure, Gunn collected four groundballs while seeing the most action of his career, which included starting the second half. In the classroom, Gunn carries a strong 3.33 GPA in Finance, earning a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll every year while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions as well.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
WG: Definitely watching Lucas Spence's overtime goal to send us to the PLC last year. I loved it because I am a huge fan of the underdog story, and this was a classic gritty underdog victory which Lehigh Lacrosse prides itself on!
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
WG: I'd like to be remembered as a hard worker and a good teammate that inspired others to do the same. The legacy I'd like to leave is an example of what can be achieved if you put in the hours and how it truly does pay off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
WG: They're my brothers. They've taught me a lot of great lessons on and off the field, and I am grateful to have been a part of such a talented and fun class that made such a memorable mark on Lehigh's program.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
WG: Definitely nostalgic. It's crazy. I remember the first day of my freshman year when the seniors told the team to cherish every practice because it goes by fast. I didn't believe them, thinking that four years was an eternity, but now that it's here, I'm mind-blown at how true that was.
My thoughts… really just want to finish our career with a ring on our finger. It's been a constant goal of the program, but it's definitely attainable this year. It's something the team, and especially the seniors, definitely deserve, and it's the only thing that I want for the end of my college career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
WG: The competition and the brotherhood. The guys I've gone up against my four years at Lehigh are some of the most competitive guys I've ever met. On and off the field, they compete with everything, and I love that. You really don't find that kind of competition many places, and the brotherhood that competitiveness created is something I'll always remember and miss about the program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
WG: They are still up in the air. Ideally, I want to find a job in New York City and pursue my passion of Finance. If that doesn't work out, I'd love to find something with lacrosse coaching. It's always been in the back of my mind, and I want to be a part of continuing to grow the game as much as possible.
#40 Eddie Bouhall – Defender – Lynbrook, N.Y. – International Relations
One of the top defenders in the Patriot League, Bouhall was named a preseason first team All-League honoree after garnering second-team laurels following his sophomore and junior campaigns. Bouhall played in 15 games as a freshman, starting three while recording 35 groundballs and 18 caused turnovers. He has only continued to improve since, recording 42 groundballs and 20 caused turnovers as a sophomore and 41 groundballs and 24 caused turnovers as a junior. Bouhall was on pace to do even better this season before he suffered an injury at Rutgers. Still, he recorded 20 groundballs and 11 caused turnovers through seven games, causing a turnover in five-of-seven contests. For his career, Bouhall's 73 caused turnovers are No. 3 in program history while he's added 138 groundballs. He was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week as a sophomore following a six-groundball, four-caused turnover effort in a 10-6 win over No. 16 Boston University.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
EB: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory was beating Navy in the semifinals last year. Being a part of that moment is something I can be grateful for because it allows me to realize the great memories that I can forever share with my teammates.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
EB: Throughout an athlete's career, it is important for them to leave some sort of legacy that will be passed down to further teams. After completing my Lehigh Lacrosse career, I would like to be remembered as the teammate who always had your back. From a young age, I have learned that forming chemistry among teammates is extremely essential to having a successful team. I found it important to build strong connections with my teammates and to provide positive energy for them when needed. The legacy I would like to leave behind is one of grit and determination. Determination allows myself to see the light at the end of the tunnel and furthers my grind to always becoming a better version of myself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
EB: The relationship with my class is one that has been growing for the past four years. I am grateful to be a part of this senior class because it is a special group of guys. We are all very closely connected, which makes it easier to get through the hard days of grinding. I am excited to see where everyone will be in five years and I know we will all still be connected.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
EB: Considering that this Saturday is Senior Day, I am extremely excited to see the Mountain Hawks get after it. This day assures the seniors that we have worked extremely hard for the past four years and now we can just go out and have fun. This day will allow the team to play for something bigger than ourselves, and we will rally our energy around the seniors. As my collegiate career is ending, I would love to achieve all of the goals we set in the beginning of the year and also get a ring on all of our fingers. With all the adversity the team has faced, it would be really special to become Patriot League Champs.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
EB: What I will miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse is my teammates/coaches and how they impacted my life. These past four years are filled with great memories with my teammates and I will never forget them. I am going to miss the countless hours around the team and having fun out on the field. Hard days seemed very easy to me because I've been able to build off other teammates' energy and continue to keep grinding.
What are your postgraduate plans?
EB: My current postgrad plans would be playing professional lacrosse for the Atlanta Blaze. I am grateful to be able to further something I love doing and I cannot wait for what the future beholds.
#41 Alexander Tumminello – Midfield – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Economics
Tumminello's 2019 season is historic for Lehigh men's lacrosse, as one of the top scoring seasons out of a midfielder in program history – currently 24 goals and 27 points, respectively. The Maryland transfer recorded five goals and two assists in 17 games last season, seeing significant time on the extra man. He has taken his game to the next level as a senior, leading the Mountain Hawks in goals and standing third in points. The first-line midfielder has continued to excel on the extra man, scoring six EMO goals to lead the team, a total that's tied for seventh in the nation. Tumminello has scored a goal in 11 straight games, including a stretch of four straight games with multiple goals. He had four big goals in Lehigh's win over No. 15 Rutgers, approximately one month after his first-career hat trick at No. 11 Virginia.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AT: Being a transfer, my favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory is meeting my new housemates (Craig, Lucas, Rimol, and Jackson) for the first time. I remember the first day we were all together. We were all sitting on our porch and soaking in the sun. It truly felt like I was one of the brothers already.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
AT: I want to be remembered as the guy who loved extra-work. The person who is constantly working on his craft when no one else is.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AT: Our senior class is much more than a senior class. This journey is an experience that has bounded us for life. We are brothers, and without question, the senior class will continue this bond post-graduation.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AT: I cannot believe how quickly it came. My mind is focused on winning because that is the only way we can keep this journey going.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
AT: I will miss the competitive nature of practice. We are able to chirp, hit and compete every day, but then laugh it off when off the field.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AT: I will be doing investment banking with Oppenheimer & Co Inc. in Manhattan, New York.
#44 Tristan Rai – Attack – Edmonton, Alberta – Psychology
Rai jumped onto the collegiate lacrosse season with a vengeance, finishing second on the Mountain Hawks in goals (31) and points (41) as a freshman. His 53.4 shooting percentage was good for No. 2 nationally, turning 58 shots into 31 goals. Rai's assist and point totals have increased every season, recording 46 points as a sophomore (24 goals, 22 assists) and 48 as a junior (23 goals, 25 assists). Rai has 10 career man-up goals, including two as a junior for Lehigh's potent EMO unit whose 63.4 percentage was No. 2 in NCAA history. Rai's 173 career points are good for sixth in program history, as are his 80 assists. He has 26 career multi-goal games and 16 career hat tricks; Rai enters Senior Day with multiple points in six straight games. In the classroom, Rai owns a strong 3.31 GPA in Psychology, being named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions, while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
TR: Beating Navy in the semifinals last year. Although we ultimately came up short in the finals, I still enjoyed the ride to get there. We really came together and played a great game against Navy and won in overtime. I know a few guys have probably said that this is their favorite memory as well. That game was a testament to all the hard work we put into the season.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
TR: I would like to be remembered as a guy who loved being around the team. I was always one of the last few guys in the locker room after every practice just hanging out. I would also like to be remembered as a guy who helped the younger players on the team, giving veteran tips here and there and showing them the ropes
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TR: Love these guys. We've all matured and grown so much since we first stepped on campus. We are such a tight-knit group and we have each others' backs no matter what. We all have a "chip on our shoulder" mentality. I'm going to miss hanging out with them every day.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
TR: It has been a great ride. I want to thank Coach Cassese for believing in me and taking a chance when he recruited me. I also want to thank every one of my teammates, past and current, as they've given me friendships that will last a lifetime. As I near the end of my career, I find myself thinking of where the time went. I can't believe that I have finished four years here. I'm grateful to everyone who made my experience so special.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
TR: I'll miss the downtime with my brothers on the team. The days and nights spent chilling with each other. I loved spending time hanging out with my teammates and will remember these times fondly. I don't think I will ever be as close with people as I am with my teammates, especially my classmates.
What are your postgraduate plans?
TR: I am still trying to figure it out. But I plan to play in the WLA (Western Lacrosse Association) again this summer and possibly try to play in the NLL (National Lacrosse League) as well.
#47 Kevin Tsao – Midfield – Mooretown, N.J. – Finance
Tsao is a well-respected teammate and key contributor for the Mountain Hawks in practice. After getting into one game each of his first two seasons, Tsao collected two groundballs (vs. Holy Cross and at Lafayette) in three games as a junior. He has gotten into three games so far his senior campaign as well, firing a shot last time out vs. St. Bonaventure. In the classroom, Tsao owns a strong 3.37 GPA in Finance, earning a spot on the Dean's List in his career while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
KT: My favorite memory up to this point is championship weekend in Baltimore last year. It was an incredible experience for us to beat Navy in overtime and earn a trip to the Patriot League Championship Game.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
KT: I'd like to be remembered as someone who brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm each day we got to spend together as a team. Besides the high bouncer, I want to leave a legacy of hard work on the white team offense.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KT: Our class is very close, which is impressive given how large it is. I feel like I could go on a cross country road trip with any one of them and never run out of things to talk about, to steal a line from Coach Scudder. These guys are my best friends and I can't wait to see what great things each one does after graduation.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KT: I'm incredibly thankful for all that the sport of lacrosse has given me in my life, especially at Lehigh. I'm most thankful for the friendships I've made and the leadership I've been shown by my coaches. As a walk-on, I thought after high school that my career may have been over, but getting to play four more years is something I'll always be grateful for.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
KT: I'll miss hanging out in the locker room with my teammates before practice. Somebody always has a ridiculous story to tell or a hilarious joke. We can all forget what's happening on the other side of the mountain and just enjoy playing lacrosse for a few hours each day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KT: I'm working as a Consulting Analyst at Accenture in New York City after graduation. I'll be rooming with fellow senior Jackson Monnin.
#49 Chris Kiernan – Goaltender – Chevy Chase, Md. – Political Science
Kiernan is extremely well respected by his teammates, serving as a senior captain. As a walk-on freshman, Kiernan would earn the starting spot by mid-season, ending the year with nine starts and a 48.0 save percentage. As a sophomore, Kiernan played in 10 games, starting eight with a 9.73 GAA and 51.0 save percentage, with a 4-4 record. Despite losing his starting spot, Kiernan has been all about the team and truly embodies a Lehigh Lacrosse man on the field, in the classroom and in life. He even interned in the Office of Presidential Correspondence at the White House, drafting correspondence on behalf of President Obama. Academically, Kiernan carries a 3.89 GPA in Political Science, posting two perfect 4.0 terms, being named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, while garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CK: Not sure I can pick just one favorite memory, so I will say two: the first time I got in to a game (at Army my freshman year) and the Patriot League Semifinal win against Navy last year. One was a very personal moment which showed how far I had come as a walk-on player, while the other was a great team moment which showed how much we had progressed as a team.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
CK: I would like to be remembered as someone who was a dedicated, team-first, selfless player who always brought my all every day and who cared deeply about my teammates and coaches.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CK: I have absolutely loved spending the past four years with my classmates. Through the ups and downs of college, we have all always been there for one another. I know that they will all be lifelong friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CK: Going into Senior Day, I am grateful for everything that this program has given to me the past four years. I am also definitely sad, as I have loved every minute of being on this team and working every day with my teammates and coaches. I will certainly miss it next year.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
CK: Lehigh Lacrosse has helped me develop so much as a person. I will miss being able to spend time with my teammates and friends every day. I know that I will be able to call all of my former teammates friends for life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CK: After college, I will be joining Alliance Bernstein as a Private Wealth Associate.
#99 Lucas Spence – Attack – Springfield, Pa. – Finance
Spence has truly developed into one of the Patriot League's best, and most feared, offensive players. After 20 points over his first two seasons, Spence finished second on the Mountain Hawks in goals (35), assists (23) and points (58) as a junior. He was named second team All-Patriot League following the regular season, but his biggest moment came in the semifinals against No. 11 Navy. Spence scored the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Mountain Hawks to their first league title game since 2014. This year, Spence returned from injury with a vengeance, scoring multiple goals in six straight games, posting 17 goals and 11 assists in that span, all Lehigh victories. Spence posted four points in Lehigh's win at Rutgers, two goals and an assist coming in the game's final 15:05 as the Mountain Hawks scored eight of the game's final 10 goals. Spence went on to post six points in consecutive games, vs. Lafayette and at Navy, as one of his diving goals around the crease at Navy was among the national plays of the week across numerous media outlets.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
LS: My favorite memory so far would be the Navy Patriot League semifinal game last season. It was an extremely exciting win for us and it brought us back to the Patriot League Championship Game.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
LS: I would like to be remembered for always competing my hardest for the team. I would hope my legacy can be that you don't have to be the biggest, strongest, fastest, or most skilled player, but you just have to want it more.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LS: Over the last four years, I have really gotten to know my classmates. They have become some of my best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LS: It is very odd going into Senior Day. I know it has been four years since I started my collegiate career, but it feels so much shorter than that. My main thought going through my mind about this day, and the season as a whole, is that we're not done yet. I still plan on playing a lot more lacrosse as a Lehigh Mountain Hawk.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
LS: I will definitely miss my teammates the most after I graduate. Luckily though, I will always be around watching the guys play because my younger brothers will be on the team.
What are your postgraduate plans?
LS: I am currently thinking about a couple of options for what I would like to do post-college, but nothing is decided yet.
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/ Men's Lacrosse2026 Men's Lacrosse Season Preview
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2025 Season Preview: Men's Lacrosse
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