Men's lacrosse wraps up season while seniors wrap up careers

As Virginia Wesleyan's men lacrosse team finishes its season, thoughts of next season arise. Finishing with a 2-11 overall recorded and 0-6 in the ODAC, the Marlins treat it as a learning experience.

"Unfortunately, this season was a learning experience. We have to take the pros and cons and apply them to next season," said junior defenseman Scott O'Donnell.

The Marlins faced adversity throughout the season with major injuries. Losing midfielders junior Will Mumford in the beginning of the season, sophomore Scott Gauthier in the middle and sophomore Darren Velasco at the end, the Marlins depended on young players to step into prominent roles.

"Youth means guys having to learn as they go," said Assistant Coach Jason Archbell. "These are young players, and they are going to get better as they progress."

The Marlins went out strong for its last few games. The team almost beat Guilford but lost in overtime 9-8. They went on to face Randolph-Macon and lost 8-7 in the fourth. The Marlins went on to face Washington and Lee, who finished its regular season second in the ODAC; VWC was able to hold them to a tie till the fourth quarter losing 8-4.

After the loss to Randolph-Macon, the team knew that they were out of the ODAC playoffs.

"This season, it was harder mentally to be 2-10 than physical," said sophomore Todd Evans. "Roanoke was going to be our championship."

The Marlins lost to Roanoke 18-5.

Senior Brendan Rooney, sophomores Brett Morris, Doug Colonell and rookies Matt Lewis and Maicin Dunk all scored for the Marlins against Roanoke.

"We worked hard that week, and now we will work hard in the off-season to improve," said freshman Wes MacQuilliam.

With that loss in mind, the off-season will be very important for the team.

"We have to get bigger, stronger, and faster to improve for next year," said Archbell.

The Marlins will face a schedule not too different from this one next year.

"We play the top teams in the country," Archbell said.

The four seniors leaving were all midfielders, leaving the underclassmen to fill their spots. Captains Rooney and Cameron McKay will both be leaving, so the role of leadership is left open for the upcoming juniors.

"The seniors for next year are a good group," said Head Coach J.P. Stewart. "They will help with the leadership."

Also, the team will depend on the young players to step up and fill the holes that are open. Once again the Marlins will bring in a good freshman class.

"We have a talented class, so far," said Stewart. "We have a good mix of offense and defense."

With improvements already in plan for next season the Marlins will take this off-season to prepare.

"We need to know what it takes to finish a game. Our concentration level must be focus the hole time," said Archbell. "We played well. We just made some mistakes."