The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are getting ready to be back in action after coming off promising seasons last year. The men’s team, who finished 7-7(3-4 in Gulf South Conference) last year, look to build from where they left off; when they finished with a five game winning streak. The women look to continue their success going from last year, as they finished 11-5 (3-1 Gulf South Conference) on the season.
“We finished off our season very well last year and I look forward to building on where we left off,” said men’s head coach Jason Childs.
The Hawks have 5 returning seniors from last year; Ryan Baird, Kyle Van Kauwenberg, Andrew Ewers, Ken Brinson and Kyle Morris.
“ I am looking forward to these guys having a great year and building off of last year,” said coach Childs.
“We need to grow as a team and become more of a family,” said senior captain Kyle Van Kauwenberg. “We are attending chapels together and hanging out outside of the field and really getting to know each other.”
Senior midfielder Kyle Morris said, “ I am really looking forward to his last season and getting to play with all my brothers that I have grown and developed with over the years.”
The competition this year will show the Hawks how far they have come as a team.
“Our big games this year will be Coker and Berry; we look forward to playing both because we know that they are going to be good competition for us,” said Morris.
The women’s team looks to continue their success after a great season last year. Head coach Brittni Dulaney stated, “The competition for us this year is going to be great. I am excited to see how we do this season.”
The Lady Hawks have 7 returning seniors this year; Taylor Moody, Desiree’ Watson-Isom, Rachel Skinner, Katie Ott, Amber Hicks, Avery Armstrong and Bianca Rojas.
“We have a lot of depth in every position this year, and I am very excited about that. Having the option to move people around to different positions if needed is a great possibility,” said Coach Dulaney.
“Some of our big games this year will be Berry and Lindenwood. I look forward to playing in these games cause they will be very good competition for us. The Berry game is always fun because of the rivalry between our schools,” said senior attack Katie Ott.
Ott, who has been a starter the last two years for the Lady Hawks, has created long lasting relationships with her teammates and can’t wait to what her final season holds for her.
“I am really looking forward to spending my last season with my teammates that I have grown so close with over the past 4 years,” said Ott.
The Hawks first regular season action is against Coker on February 8th, game time is set at 2 P.M. Their first home game will be versus St. Leo University on February 14th; the game is set to start at 7 at Ben Brady Field. The Lady Hawks will begin their season against Berry College on February 5th; game time is at 7 P.M.
Austen Trevers
