Written by Ian Gillen and Kaelyn Spickler
It’s that special time of year again. It’s the time that special someone has been waiting for. No not Valentine’s day, spring sports season! Our hearts are as full as our potential during these trying times of cold practices, early mornings, and pre-season workouts.
Coming off of a 14-6 season that saw another NCAA tournament trip for the team, the Men’s Lacrosse team finds themselves all across the rankings. In three different preseason polls the team has been ranked 15th,15th, and 1st. With their strong ranking and returning All Americans the team hopes for an even more successful 2019.
The Women’s Lacrosse team kicks off their season with a home game this Saturday at Kerr Stadium against Centre College. The team hopes to rebound off of an up and down season last year. “Our goal is to work together and play every game to the best of our ability. We are all really excited to play our first game and put to action all of the things we have been practicing,” said sophomore Frankie Sefcik.
Ranked number three in the ODAC preseason polls, the Baseball team hopes to build off of their 2nd place ODAC finish in last year’s ODAC standings to propel them into greater postseason success. The team has received several votes in preseason rankings, and returns ODAC Rookie of the Year, Will Salva. The team is kicking off their season Friday, February 8 with a doubleheader at Methodist. “Our team goal this season is to get better everyday at practice and hopefully make it to the National Championship,” said freshman Waring Garber.
The Softball team will get a late start this season as they won’t start until early March, when they will host Geneva College. The team will hope for greater postseason success, as they took an early exit out of last year’s ODAC tournament despite a fourth placed 24-18 record. The team is feeling excited about the upcoming season as they set their sights high. “The team is most excited about giving a great final season to our seniors. They have worked so hard to get where they are, and they deserve to go all the way to Nationals,” said sophomore Allison Wagner.
Opening their season on Saturday, February 23 at St. Mary’s, the Men’s Tennis team hopes to live up to their 8th place ODAC preseason poll. The team has a young roster, and they are counting on them to bring some fresh talent on the court to get them to ODACs.
The Women’s Tennis team will begin their season at home next Friday, February 15 as they face Guilford College. The team is ranked 5th in the ODAC preseason poll, and they are using that to push them to success. Last season, the team had three women named to First-Team All-ODAC, Madeline Herring, Carolyn Kitsock, and Janny Alvarado, and all three are returning this year which gives the team an edge.
Whether you are hoping for love letters or buzzer beaters we hope these upcoming times treat you well, and you enjoy the last Maroon Athletics of the year.
