Breslin’s Eagles peaked at just the right time

By Ryan Yemen Daily Progress correspondent
Published: July 14, 2008

With the season on the line, and his team trailing Virginia Episcopal by three goals at halftime in the VIC championship, Covenant lacrosse coach Dave Breslin knew that the second half of the game would define his team’s season.
“We just weren’t playing very well,” Breslin said. “But I told the kids that they had the next 24 minutes to do something special. They responded, and as a team we started to peak at just the right moment.”
Breslin’s squad did more than just respond. The Eagles stormed back to win in 11-10 in overtime and the momentum of the conference championship spurred a thrilling run through the VISAA Division II tournament. Covenant surged by knocking off VES once again and then handled Highland in the championship game 10-4.
“Coming out of that halftime I just remember looking at everybody and nobody was happy with our play,” said Andy Colberg, a junior attackman who was an instrumental part of Covenant’s playoff run. “We could play better. We knew we weren’t necessarily the most talented team, but we had the ability, and coach challenged us to put it all on the line. I would say that we didn’t find our identity until the end of the season.”
Good timing. But as a coach who won four consecutive State and VIC titles between the 2003-2006 seasons, Breslin is no stranger to getting his teams to respond come playoff time. The Covenant coach took the 2007 season off to pursue some career and life goals in Massachusetts. That year the Eagles
failed to win the VIC and VISAA titles, snapping a four-year streak. It was a humbling experience for those involved.
“Losing last season was just a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted,” Colberg said. “We realized that nothing was going to be handed to us. But bringing a team together is one of Coach Breslin’s best attributes. Nobody can show you how to become a team like he can.”
Part of that might come from Breslin’s easy going and continuously positive outlook, but he also knows this team on a first name basis.
“He’s known us since elementary school,” Colberg said. “He’s a whole lot more than a coach. He has great personal relationships with everyone on the team. It’s pretty cool when you get to play lacrosse for him.”
Not one to take all the credit, Breslin points to those around him as the key to this season’s success.
“This was just a group that was very hungry, very eager to succeed,” Breslin said. “It was a real joy to be a part of this team. We had support from everyone — administration, players, parents, all around. With that and a great group of players, we’ve started to have some real success.”
While he had support and admiration coming from all angles, depth was an issue for his team. Breslin was forced to ask a lot of from his most talented players. When the playoffs came, Luke Heinsohn and Colberg stepped up to the plate, taking on grueling minutes and doing it all at full tilt, splitting time as attackers on offense and midfielders when on defense. Breslin needed his two stars on the field at all times.
A former goalie himself, Breslin also relied heavily on senior Joe Malazita to not only stop shots, but also aide in transitioning the ball into enemy territory. Malazita was marvelous in VISAA tournament, posting 48 saves to take home the MVP of the tournament.
However, while the two juniors provided the bulk of the offensive production, and Malazita had ice in his veins on defense, Breslin is quick to credit the to role players like Connor Rund and Eric Dixon who came alive in the postseason.
“It’s a real privilege to have a group that is excited to come to practice,” Breslin said. “And it’s not just the Colbergs and the Heinsohns. It’s the guys underneath. You’ve got to have those guys to take the next step.”
There isn’t much doubt that his team took that step in 2008.