May 30, 2003

AMHERST, Mass. - Graduated seniors Chris Fiore (Freeport, N.Y.) and Kevin Leveille (Delmar, N.Y.) will continuing playing together professionally, as both players were taken by the Boston Cannons in yesterday's Major League Lacrosse draft. Fiore was taken third overall, behind Virginia's Chris Rotelli and Duke's Kevin Cassese, while Leveille was selected ninth overall. Fellow graduate Tom Fallon (Shaker Heights, Ohio) was selected in the fifth round by the Bridgeport Barrage.

"Both Scott (Hiller) and I were very high on both Chris and Kevin," said David Gross, the Cannons General Manager. "We think they can both make an impact on our team this season."

Fiore was named a first team All-American. He is UMass' first first team All-American since Mark Millon in 1992 and 1993. Leveille was named to the second team All-America. Fiore registered 46 points in 2003 (35g 11a), finishing his UMass career with 115 points (83g, 32a). Leveille scored a career high 51 points (34g, 17a) in 2003. He ended his Minutemen career with 159 points (11th all-time at UMass) and 105 goals (8th all-time at UMass). Fallon battled an injury-riddled senior year, but still earned first team All-New England honors. He appeared in eight games for the Minutemen, scooping up eight ground balls.

The Cannons will open the season on Saturday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m. at Cawley Stadium in Lowell. Fiore and Leveille will most likely be playing in the contest. The game will also be carried on ESPN 2, as part of the network's new deal with Major League Lacrosse. The contest will be aired tape-delayed on June 3 at 3:00 p.m.