(Photo Courtesy of North Carolina Athletics)

The 2021 season was a season in which grad transfers and fifth-year players seemed to dominate the landscape. However, as usual, there were freshmen at every position that broke through and shined during their first season of college lacrosse.

Over past week, Lacrosse Bucket has been highlighting some of the freshmen who made shined during the 2021 season. Here is a look at some of the top freshmen specialist. This list will include both goalies and faceoffmen.

Collin Krieg, Goalie, North Carolina – Krieg wasn’t just the best freshman goalie, but perhaps the best freshman of 2021. Earning the starting nod in the preseason Krieg anchored the North Carolina defense with 176 saves and a 53% save percentage while helping lead the Tar Heels to a Championship Weekend appearance.

Logan Covey, Goalie, Marist – While the Red Foxes’ season was shorter than most due to a pause that lasted over a month, Covey made the best of and shined in 2021. In Marist’s four games, Covey recorded 49 saves with a 54% save percentage and averaged 12.25 saves per game.

Sean Richard, Goalie, Marquette – A redshirt freshman, Richard started in all but one contest for the Golden Eagles this past season. Richard recorded 99 saves with a 55% save percentage to anchor the Marquette defense.

Colin Consoli, Goalie, Fairfield – Stepping into the starting job day one, Consoli put together a freshman campaign that earned him an CAA All-Rookie nomination. Consoli made 148 saves with a 47% save percentage.

Jake Naso, Faceoff, Duke – Naso made a name for himself early on in the season and continued his success through the year while helping lead the Blue Devils to Championship Weekend. Naso went 227-for-361 (62%) and had three points (1G/2A).

Evan Moskwa, Faceoff, Cleveland State -Moskwa went 87-for-167 (52%) at the faceoff dot and added two goals during a solid freshman campaign to help led the Vikings.

Regan Endres, Faceoff, UAlbany – Endres had a bit of a slow start to the season, but put together some impressive performances by seasons end and was the Dane’s No. 1 option at the dot. Endres went  143-281 with a 50% win percrntage.

Isaac Vanzomeren, Faceoff, NJIT – Serving as the Highlander’s top option at the faceoff dot, Vanzomeren found success early in the season and continued that throughout the year. Vanzomeren went 90-for-193 (46%) at the dot.