By Kellie Lagoy
Virginia Wesleyan’s men’s lacrosse team is ranked fifth in the conference for the preseason poll. A mediocre ranking in the ODAC poll isn’t affecting the outlook that this Marlins team has for its upcoming season.
“It wouldn’t make a difference if we were first or tenth. We would still approach the season the same way no matter what,” junior attacker Ben Fletcher said.
This team had its fifth straight winning record as it finished the season with an overall 9-7 record. The Marlins had a strong season and look to continue their successes for the 2014-15 season ahead of them. VWC plans on making this season better than before, with 24 players returning from last year and a slew of incoming talented first-years.
“Team chemistry is absolutely essential to success in a team sport, and we feel like we have a lot of great players back this year. We also feel like we added a lot of great players with the transfers and the freshman class,” Fletcher said.
The Marlins are hoping to make a statement this season in the ODAC, after falling 22-7 in the conference quarterfinals against conference rivals Lynchburg College. With the help of two-time All-American Josh Currier and the rest of the nationally ranked scoring offense, this team has a chance to make a statement against a conference full of nationally ranked opponents.
“We love playing in such a strong conference and playing nationally ranked teams. It is great motivation for us to get better and be the best team we can be,” Currier said.
Achievements are something that these players are used to by now. Currier has racked up his own impressive accolades. He scored 100 points last season, the first player in VWC history to do such a feat.
“I’m personally putting my focus towards winning lacrosse games, and I think if we do as well as a team then my personal stats will work themselves out,” said Currier.
Other players are pacing themselves to bring in strong statistics as the season begins. Senior Mike Moran will be an offensive powerhouse this year if he can produce the same numbers he put up last year. Other players are poised to come back stronger this season from all the extra work they’ve put in.
“Our team worked really hard this offseason in preparation for the year. We are all in great shape and ready for the season. I am very happy with all the extra work our team has been putting in to improve. Tim and Casey, the CrossFit trainers, helped us out a ton too, and we owe them a big thanks. They are a big reason why we are ready for the season,” Currier said.
The Marlins begin their season on Feb. 21 against the Greensboro College Pride. Their first game is the first of a four-game homestand.
