DETROIT -- The Detroit Titans can feel comfortable about their situation between the pipes as second team All-Conference selection
A.J. Levell (Columbus, OH/Dublin Scioto) returns. The Titans will also have a pair of talented freshmen backing him up and pushing for immediate playing time in
Damie Danseglio (Sayville, NY/Connetquot) and
Chris Kelly (Valrico, FL/Saint Andrews).
“It's great to have an All-Conference goalie, but he is getting pushed every day in practice,” said Holtz. “He continues to work hard in practice and that competitiveness in the group will help make everyone a better player.”
Levell, a junior, is coming off a sensational season that saw him pick up his game and help lead the Titans to the MAAC Championship game. He posted 179 saves on the year – which was second in the league - while also finishing second in the MAAC with a .521 saves percentage. Through his first two years, Levell has made over 300 saves for UDM.
“He improved in the clearing game and just his overall consistency was better than his freshman year,” said Holtz. “As long as he keeps working hard and improving – especially in the clearing game – we know how good A.J. can be for us.”
Levell – a two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Week in 2011 - had 10 games with double-digit saves, but none was bigger than his 13-save effort in the MAAC semifinals win over Marist. In that contest, he made several outstanding stops frustrating the Red Foxes throughout the contest. He opened the year with a career-best 17 saves against a ranked-Delaware squad and had 16 in the Titans first-ever road win when the red, white and blue upset Siena, 13-11.
Danseglio and Kelly are both battling to position themselves for playing time in their rookie year, giving the Titans some great depth at the position. Danseglio is a smaller goalie at 5-9, but his quickness is evident in the pipes, while Kelly stands at 6-3 and uses his size to his advantage. Both have played well in practice as they continue to adjust to the collegiate game.
“I feel as though there are days when Damie is the best goalie and then Chris is the best goalie, but day in and day out, A.J. is our most consistent goalie and that comes from maturity and experience,” added Holtz.
