Hawks open spring season at home Friday night

The Hawks host Southwest Baptist in their season opener.

Coach Tony Tocco is anxious to see his team play outside competition for the first time in over in 15 months. The Rockhurst Hawks kick off their spring season Friday night against Southwest Baptist at Bourke Field.

"I think our defense will be the strength of our team going into our first game," said Tocco, who is going into his 50th season at Rockhurst. "We will start a defensive-minded lineup with three in the back and two on the wings."

Seniors Marco Cora and Victor Gonzalez will lead the defense. Sophomore Brenden Dolan, freshman Max Pycior and junior transfer Alessandro Macchioni will protect the back line.

The offense will be led by junior forward Jordan Andrews and senior midfielder Federico Verlicchi. The pair combined for seven goals last year.

Rockhurst will be aided offensively with the addition of newcomers Tomasso Tirabassi and Elluan Martins Gomes. Junior Fabio D'Errico will start the season in goal for the Hawks after transferring from Canisius College.

The Hawks, who finished tied for seventh in the GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll, will close out the opening weekend with a road game at Drury on Sunday afternoon.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Jordan Andrews: M; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#7 Marco Cora: D; 5' 10"; Junior

#17 Federico Verlicchi: M; 6' 1"; Junior

#25 Brenden Dolan: D; 5' 10"; Freshman

#3 Victor Gonzalez: D; 5' 7"; Junior

#00 Fabio D'Errico: GK; 6' 3"; Junior

#24 Alessandro Macchioni: M; 6' 1"; Junior

#2 Max Pycior: D; 6' 1"; Freshman

#8 Tomasso Tirabassi: F; 5' 9"; Freshman

#9 Elluan Martins Gomes: F; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#10 Jordan Andrews
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: M

#7 Marco Cora
: 5' 10"; Junior
: D

#17 Federico Verlicchi
: 6' 1"; Junior
: M

#25 Brenden Dolan
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: D

#3 Victor Gonzalez
: 5' 7"; Junior
: D

#00 Fabio D'Errico
: 6' 3"; Junior
: GK

#24 Alessandro Macchioni
: 6' 1"; Junior
: M

#2 Max Pycior
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: D

#8 Tomasso Tirabassi
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: F

#9 Elluan Martins Gomes
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: F