Men’s Lacrosse looks to capitalize on historic season

By SAM MCCLINTOCK

The University of Mary Washington men’s lacrosse team added to their impressive season on Saturday, April 5 with a 19-6 win over La Roche College. Senior John Bohlinger sparked the Eagles, scoring six goals and adding two assists. Bohlinger was also named conference player of the week. The win improved the team’s record to 9-2 as they head into a critical final stretch of the season.

“It’s crunch time right now,” said senior Billy Kelly, whose season is special, as last year he was sidelined the whole season.

“[The game was] definitely the most fun I’ve had, and last year I tore my ACL, so it just feels really good to be back out there with the guys,” said Kelly.

The Eagles currently sit fifth in the conference standings but will have plenty of time to make up ground before the season ends. All four of the teams’ remaining games come against conference opponents, two of which are against teams below them in the standings.

The top six teams make the conference tournament, and if the Eagles finish in the top two in the conference they are guaranteed a buy in the first round of the playoffs. If they finish third or fourth they will host a first round playoff game.

The Eagles are ranked 14 in the country, which is the highest ranking in team history. The experience on the team is undeniably a vital factor to their success.

“Definitely the most experienced team I have ever been a part of. No doubt it has been a big factor to our success,” said Kelly.

There are 10 seniors on the team, and the team’s top five scorers are seniors. Bohlinger leads the team with 46 points, followed by his fellow attack men seniors Luke Dick (44 points) and Kelly (33 points), along with top midfielders Chip Pittard (23 points) and Joey Marson (16 points).

The defense also held up its end of the bargain, led by senior goalie Zach Delgrosso.

“Zach’s been awesome. We’re near the top in goals against, so he’s definitely been the anchor all season,” said long stick midfielder senior Forrest Fisher.

That does not mean the team has not gone without some adversity, especially for Fisher, as he has been sidelined with a broken finger.

“We were on an undefeated streak when I broke my finger, but I definitely expect to be ready to go for the playoffs,” said Fisher.

The Eagles are going to need that defense to be at its best during this final stretch. They follow Wednesday’s road game against Christopher Newport University (9-2, 3-1) with a crucial home game against Frostburg State (10-3, 3-2). Both teams barely sit above the Eagles in the standings, so they can catch both teams with wins this week.

The game against Frostburg State is expected to be action packed. Marson said he would love to see the fans at the game.

“We really do appreciate the home support. It’s Frostburg State, I mean that’s a big game. We’re really excited, and we would love to have the fans out there. We really feed off their energy,” said Marson.

The game is this Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m. and will be played at the stadium on the grass field next to the Tennis Center. The team is in the midst of a record season, and students are encouraged to take part and support the team in a huge rivalry game. The Eagles’ last home game is Wednesday, April 16 at 4 p.m. against Wesley before they wrap up the regular season at Marymount on April 19.