via the Launch web site   Last Wednesday, the MLL hosted its annual Supplemental Draft, where each team selected 12 players to add to their rosters. For the Launch and Coach Tom Mariano there was one goal, “find players who want to compete and be apart of helping us compete for a championship.” Coach Mariano also recognized the need for, “goalie, midfield and defensive depth on the roster” and focused on gaining strength from this years Draft. After the two hour drafting process, the team acquired the serious solidity they were searching for on the defensive side, both from known league veterans and a few new players with significant collegiate experience. From all nine team’s and 117 players selected, the Launch and the New York Lizards picked up the most defenders with five. Out of our 12 picks we also added on a goalie, the 2017 Notre Dame grad, Shane Doss in the fifth round. Doss, a first year MLL player is “excited to be a part of a great team culture and an organization that is focused on winning a championship.” His role will be significant, backing up one of the top goalies lacrosse last season, Austin Kaut. One defenseman protecting Kaut and Doss up front will be a familiar face for Launch fans, #1 PT Ricci. Selected as our 106th pick, Ricci joins the Launch again after five seasons with the squad and played in eight games, picking up 23 ground balls a year ago. He is looking forward to “build off 2017’s success, and push for a MLL championship.” The experienced pro is eager to come back down to the sunshine state with the team saying, “anything less then a championship would be a disappointment.” Like many other players on the team, Ricci’s goals and expectations are high going into 2018, but with all the talent on the roster now and the experience of last season, they are more than obtainable. The defensive side of the ball also adds two players with championship experience, Andrew Sellers and Brett Moyer, selected in the second and eighth rounds respectively. Sellers helped the Ohio Machine win their first MLL Championship in 2017, where Hoyer was part of two Championship winning teams in 2006 and 2007. With the addition of these seasoned veterans, there will also be some fresh faces getting their first taste of Major League Lacrosse with the Launch. Kevin Gayhardt from the University of Pennsylvania is entering his first season, and knows how talented the roster is, yet is happy for the opportunity to compete. “Playing against the best players in the world each week is a challenge I am excited for.” Charlie Ford, selected in the ninth round of the Draft from Georgetown, will also look to contribute in his debut with the team. The full defensive unit heading into Training Camp is below: Tucker Durkin Jarrod Neumann Alec Tulett Liam Byrnes Sean Meagher Austin Kaut Andrew Sellers Kevin Gayhardt Shane Doss Brett Moyer Charlie Ford PT Ricci With the results of last season and the draft selections we added to the squad last week, Coach Mariano and the coaching staff have the potential to get their hands on their first ever Steinfeld Cup in 2018. After the Supplemental Draft, the Launch have addressed a key need, being defensive depth, and have all the players in place believing in this championship mindset as well. Are you ready to take part #Launch2018? Make sure you have your tickets and all your Launch gear!