Time is short for these specialists

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The spotlight went on at Towson University’s Unitas Stadium, and it fell directly on Bayhawks midfielder Kevin Frew at the center of the field.

But Frew’s time as the star attraction was over almost before it began. After sprinting off the field, he didn’t see any more action until after the next goal was scored.

Such is the life of a lacrosse faceoff specialist, who may play less than five minutes a game, once a week over a three-month season.

“That’s what I do, that’s what I specialize in,” said Frew, a North Carolina grad who played last season with the Boston Cannons. “You have guys out there who are ripping twos and guys who are getting it done on defense. Faceoffs — that’s my job.”

This season, the Bayhawks use two faceoff specialists, unlike most teams, which have only one.

Head coach Scott Hiller uses the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Frew for power and Ben DeFelice, a 5-10, 185-pound Towson University grad, for quickness.

“They complement each other pretty well,” Hiller said. “We have the luxury of using two guys. The plan is to wear their guy down while we stay fresh.”

Even though they have the least amount of playing time, faceoff specialists know the rest of the players appreciate every second they fight for the ball.

“The best lacrosse players in the world are out here,” DeFelice said. “I definitely don’t feel shorted when I’m only out there for a few seconds.”

Major League Lacrosse allows only one practice and one game per week, so all the players have day jobs. DeFelice works at T. Rowe Price in Owings Mills, and Frew is an insurance broker for Kelly and Associates.

“Kevin and I bonded right away because we’re faceoff guys,” DeFelice said. “But they’re only 22 of us on the team, so we have a pretty tight group.”

BAYHAWKS AT A GLANCE

Record: 4-2.

Average attendance: 3,092.

Did you know? In a game against the Long Island Lizards last week, DeFelice won three of 10 faceoffs and Frew won four of eight against who they say is their most difficult adversary, Paul Vlahakis.

Next Home Game: July 8 vs. Boston, 7 p.m., at Unitas Stadium.