Anderson Launches Inaugural Men's Lacrosse season against Earlham
February 26, 2019
The Anderson University men's lacrosse team launches its inaugural season by hosting Earlham College with a Heartland Collegiate Lacrosse Conference (HCLC) matchup on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Macholtz Stadium.
Anderson is targeting a third-place finish in the conference while laying the groundwork for the culture of the new program.
"I want this group to set the standard, define what our culture of excellence looks like through hard work, accountability, integrity and discipline," Coach Jacob Ashton said. "I also believe we can finish third in the conference. I expect yet hope our guys learn how to compete. If you watch us practice we have a mix of talent levels and when we are fully healthy despite low numbers this first year, I see us accomplishing anything."
During the 2018 season, the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) and the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) continued the partnership that established the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC). For the 2019 season, the PAC separated, adopting lacrosse within its own conference. The HCAC held onto the ORLC name along with its automatic qualifier and changed the name to the HCLC. Anderson joins the HCLC as its fifth member.
Transylvania University locked up the conference tournament title in each of its four seasons with the ORLC. St. Vincent University fought past Transylvania in an 11-10 victory during the regular season by scoring the go-ahead goal with 1 minute, 5 seconds remaining. The match would ultimately decide the ORLC regular-season title. In the ORLC Tournament Championships, Transylvania rolled past St. Vincent in a 12-2 victory. The Pioneers then advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Transylvania is the unanimous favorite to win the HCLC title, scoring 50 points, including all five first-place votes, in the HCLC preseason poll. Hanover College was picked second in the HCLC preseason poll with 45 points, finishing ahead of Mount St. Joseph University (38), Anderson (35) and Earlham (32).
The Ravens bring depth on offense into the 2019 season as well as a balance of youth and experience.
"Offensively I'd say that's where most of our strength lies. We have upper classmen with talent in relatively each position, so that really helps with a first year group comprised of mostly freshman."
Freshman Logan Lawrence (Westfield, Ind./Westfield) looks to make an immediate impact for Anderson this season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what Logan, one of our freshman splitting between Midfield and Attack will do. His shot speed has really improved since high school, and his change of direction will make any defender think twice. He has really stepped up as a young leader on our team and I expect big things from him."
Also looking to make strong contributions for the Ravens are Zach Cocuzzo (Anthem, Ariz./Boulder Creek), Jonathan Orloff (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North), Jacob Spratley (Columbus, Ind./Columbus East) and Tristan Wilbrandt (Fishers, Ind./Cathedral), among others.
Earlham enters its second season with a men's lacrosse program. The Quakers are pursuing their first win in program history after finishing 0-14 during the 2018 season.
"Earlham is a young team such as ourselves; this is their second season so they are still very new. From what I have seen on film, they are scrappy players who work hard. They are seeking their first win in program history still so I know they will give us everything they have! I believe it will be a competitive matchup being both our first games this season!"
Returning for Earlham is Will Frye. He led the team with 16 caused turnovers last season and also recovered 24 ground balls. Joe Enwright also picked up 24 ground balls for the Quakers last season. Earlham brings back 42.9 percent of its starts from last season.
The Ravens expect to reach their success this season through trusting one another, staying disciplined and working hard.
"If we do those things, I believe we will begin to really grow as a unit and wins will start to come."
Anderson is targeting a third-place finish in the conference while laying the groundwork for the culture of the new program.
"I want this group to set the standard, define what our culture of excellence looks like through hard work, accountability, integrity and discipline," Coach Jacob Ashton said. "I also believe we can finish third in the conference. I expect yet hope our guys learn how to compete. If you watch us practice we have a mix of talent levels and when we are fully healthy despite low numbers this first year, I see us accomplishing anything."
During the 2018 season, the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) and the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) continued the partnership that established the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC). For the 2019 season, the PAC separated, adopting lacrosse within its own conference. The HCAC held onto the ORLC name along with its automatic qualifier and changed the name to the HCLC. Anderson joins the HCLC as its fifth member.
Transylvania University locked up the conference tournament title in each of its four seasons with the ORLC. St. Vincent University fought past Transylvania in an 11-10 victory during the regular season by scoring the go-ahead goal with 1 minute, 5 seconds remaining. The match would ultimately decide the ORLC regular-season title. In the ORLC Tournament Championships, Transylvania rolled past St. Vincent in a 12-2 victory. The Pioneers then advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Transylvania is the unanimous favorite to win the HCLC title, scoring 50 points, including all five first-place votes, in the HCLC preseason poll. Hanover College was picked second in the HCLC preseason poll with 45 points, finishing ahead of Mount St. Joseph University (38), Anderson (35) and Earlham (32).
The Ravens bring depth on offense into the 2019 season as well as a balance of youth and experience.
"Offensively I'd say that's where most of our strength lies. We have upper classmen with talent in relatively each position, so that really helps with a first year group comprised of mostly freshman."
Freshman Logan Lawrence (Westfield, Ind./Westfield) looks to make an immediate impact for Anderson this season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what Logan, one of our freshman splitting between Midfield and Attack will do. His shot speed has really improved since high school, and his change of direction will make any defender think twice. He has really stepped up as a young leader on our team and I expect big things from him."
Also looking to make strong contributions for the Ravens are Zach Cocuzzo (Anthem, Ariz./Boulder Creek), Jonathan Orloff (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North), Jacob Spratley (Columbus, Ind./Columbus East) and Tristan Wilbrandt (Fishers, Ind./Cathedral), among others.
Earlham enters its second season with a men's lacrosse program. The Quakers are pursuing their first win in program history after finishing 0-14 during the 2018 season.
"Earlham is a young team such as ourselves; this is their second season so they are still very new. From what I have seen on film, they are scrappy players who work hard. They are seeking their first win in program history still so I know they will give us everything they have! I believe it will be a competitive matchup being both our first games this season!"
Returning for Earlham is Will Frye. He led the team with 16 caused turnovers last season and also recovered 24 ground balls. Joe Enwright also picked up 24 ground balls for the Quakers last season. Earlham brings back 42.9 percent of its starts from last season.
The Ravens expect to reach their success this season through trusting one another, staying disciplined and working hard.
"If we do those things, I believe we will begin to really grow as a unit and wins will start to come."
