This past Saturday, Feb. 17, the Muhlenberg men’s lacrosse team opened their spring season in an away game against Stevenson University. The matchup resulted in a 15-10 loss, however, the Mules revealed great effort, potential and talent.
Captain, two-time preseason All-American, and first-team All-Centennial Conference recipient Matthew Regan ‘24 said, “Although the game did not end in our favor, I believe Saturday’s game only further proved to the team how talented we really are. We have a very young team and we will continue to improve even further in the coming weeks and months.”
Following the farewell of a very large and impactful senior class last year, a lot of space has been created for new and returning players to step into key roles this season. This year, the program welcomed a class of 19 first-years. Within the first game, several of those newcomers took such opportunities to showcase talent and their commitment to success.
Daniel Friedel ‘27 scored four goals against the Mustangs on Saturday. According to Muhlenberg Athletics, Friedel tied for the second-most goals scored by a first-year in their first career game in Muhlenberg men’s lacrosse program history. Additionally, Liam Ledwith ‘27 had two goals in his first career game.
Last year, the Mules went 11-6 overall. Their season ended in an overtime battle against Franklin & Marshall College in the first round of Centennial Conference playoffs. Although the loss cut their championship climb short, it was a signal in itself of historical progress. That game served as the first home conference playoff game the Mules had ever hosted in program history. The whistle that ended that game is the same one that has driven the team to prepare for this season.
“We have the same goal every year, which is to win a conference championship. I believe a big strength we have is that our team has a new identity. We have a lot of new guys here to pick up from where we left off last year. The last few years we came up just short and we’re looking to change that this year with new faces and a new team culture,” said Captain, 2024 pre-season All-American and 2021 Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year Wyatt Malia ‘24.
The program’s strong culture has remained a constant foundation for them in years past. Several players have spoken independently on the advantageous strength of their current team chemistry.
Regan added, “I believe our biggest strength is our team chemistry and how close everyone is. Although we have a very talented roster, I believe the love we have for each other and the team as a whole will prove to be the most valuable asset to our success.”
Captain Jack Taub ‘24 continued, “Being part of this lacrosse team feels like being part of a tight-knit family. As we gear up for the upcoming season, our chemistry on and off the field is palpable. Together, we’re ready to tackle any challenge and strive for victory.”
The team’s resilience is already shining through in their positive, immediate response after this weekend. Their next game will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Scranton University.
Captain Ryan May ‘24 summed it up well, “We’re focused on bouncing back and have been working really hard this week in practice and the weight room. It’s a long season and we know we’re going to take our bumps along the way but I’m confident in our team’s ability to play and win big games.”
