After falling to the Norwich University Cadets in the 2022 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championship game, the men’s lacrosse team is looking to reach their third straight championship game. Despite being ranked third in this year's conference rankings, Head Coach Dieter Treusdell is not worried about the predicted finish.
“You gotta go out and play the games and prove where you are throughout the season. So we don't really give that a whole lot of attention,” Treusdell said.
In an effort to prove their dominance to the rest of the conference, Coach Treusdell has added some key pieces to continue the team's success. “We've gotten in a few transfers that have been contributors for us in these first few games and have shown really well for themselves,” Treusdell said.
One of those transfers includes junior long stick midfielder, Francis Pino. Pino spent his sophomore year at the University of Tampa, transferring from Lasell after his first year. “I felt too much like a little fish in a big pond over there,” said Pino. “I would catch myself down at UTampa some nights watching old lacrosse videos… I missed being on a team.”
Now back with the Lasers, Pino and the rest of the squad are all on the same page regarding the task at hand. “Our goal is the GNAC championship, and if we don’t hit that, then the seasons a wash,” Pino said. Pino missed the Lasers' most recent matchup against St. Joes with a separated AC joint, however, he expects to be ready for the next game.
Coach Treusdell credits the team’s ability to come together on the culture that has been built outside of the game. “We do a lot of community service and things outside of our season to bring that team culture up and just show people what type of people we are on campus,” Treusdell said. “It definitely shows up for us and how we play the games, just how close of a team we are.”
The team's close-knit bond also shows through their contributions in the game as well. With balance all over the field, with newcomers including goalie Michael Catalano, midfielders Matthew Carbone and Adam Haytayan, attackmen Jack Tauson and Patrick Mulhern, and the experienced starting defense have all had their hand in the team's success this season.
Treusdell also credits the success to the additions of Assistant Coach Kyle Laforge and Defensive Coordinator Scott Kessler to the coaching staff with their, “wealth of knowledge and experience.”
Against St. Joseph’s on Tuesday, the Lasers kept the game close until the very end until the Monks pulled away and grabbed the win 13-10. The Lasers currently sit at a record of 5-5 and 3-1 in conference games. They’ll have a week-and-a-half break in between games before they take on the Rivier Raiders at Grieller Field for their senior day.