Nardella Drafted by MLL's Boston Cannons
Jan 23 | Men's Lacrosse
BALTIMORE - Rutgers men's lacrosse senior midfielder Joseph Nardella (Cazenovia, N.Y.) was selected by the Boston Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse Draft with the 36th overall selection in the 5th round Friday night. The 15th collegiate draft in MLL history was held at the 2015 US Lacrosse National Convention at the Hilton Baltimore.
Nardella, who was recognized as a Preseason All-American by Inside Lacrosse, recorded a .632 faceoff winning percentage last season (206-of-326), which ranked fifth nationally. The two-time Second Team All-BIG EAST selection collected 137 ground balls last season, fourth most in the country, and scored a career-best five goals and added seven assists. Nardella was named a team captain for 2015, marking his second consecutive season as a captain.
Nardella is the first Scarlet Knight selected in the MLL Draft since 2010. Five Rutgers players have previously been selected by the MLL: Justin Pennington (2010 5th round, 25th overall by Chicago), Chris O'Dougherty (2009 4th round, 31st overall by Denver), Greg Havalchak (2006 4th round, 32nd overall by Baltimore), Devon Britts (2006 5th round, 45th overall by Los Angeles) and Keith Cromwell (2001 2nd round, 7th overall by Bridgeport).
Nardella is the second player coached by RU Head Coach Brian Brecht to be drafted into Major League Lacrosse. Brecht also coached goalkeeper Brent Herbst, who was selected 22nd overall in 2010, while at Siena.
Rutgers had six former players appear on professional rosters this season: Justin Pennington, Chris O'Dougherty, Brendan Porter, Will Mangan, Chris Mattes, and Duncan Clancy. O'Dougherty and Pennington helped lead the Denver Outlaws to a MLL Championship.
Full results of the 2015 Major League Lacrosse Draft are available here.
This year Rutgers will be part of the inaugural season of Big Ten Lacrosse. The Scarlet Knights have nine home games at High Point Solutions Stadium, and season tickets are currently on sale online .
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (@RUAthletics ) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RUlaxCoach ) and Facebook . Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along withwww.ScarletKnights.com .
