Jan. 27, 2000

COLLEGE PARK, Md - The No. 8 Maryland men's lacrosse team features three preseason All-Americans as named by College Lacrosse USA. Seniors midfielder Brian Zeller (Forest Hill, Md.) and defenseman Casey Connor (Baltimore, Md.) were named to the preseason second team. Senior defensive midfielder Jeff Shirk (Boonton Township, N.J.) was named to the third team. The Terps also feature two honorable mention All-Americans in senior defender Jason Carrier (Boonton Township, N.J.) and junior midfielder Chris Malone (Timonium, Md.).

Zeller, who was also a preseason second team All-American by Face-Off Magazine `00, is Maryland's top returning scorer for 2000. Last season he was second on the team in goals (24) and points (30). Over his career, he has 57 goals, 20 assists and 77 points.

Connor, who was also a preseason second team All-American by Face-Off Magazine `00, has been a stalwart on defense starting all 14 games last season, and helping Maryland to a 8.29 goals against average.

Last season, Shirk was named the toughest hitter by the Baltimore Sun and was honored with the William Cole Award as Maryland's top midfielder. He was also a 2000 preseason first team Face-Off Magazine `00 All-American. Shirk will serve as a team captain in 2000 along with fellow preseason honorees Zeller, Connor and Carrier.

Carrier is coming off a great defensive season, starting all 14 games. He recorded his first two college points on a pair of goals. Carrier won the Faber-Heagy Memorial Award in 1999 as the Unsung Hero of the Terps.

Malone is coming off a breakout sophomore year in which he scored 10 goals and assisted on nine others.

Maryland's 2000 men's lacrosse schedule features games against nine teams ranked in the Face-Off Magazine Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Terps will also play host to the 2000 ACC Men's Lacrosse Tournament on April 21 and 23, and the NCAA Final Four, on May 27 and 29, for the eighth time in the last nine years. The Terps open the regular season on Feb. 27 against Mount St. Mary's.