By Jodie Ng, News Correspondent
It’s undoubtedly difficult for a team to stay positive after a string of losses, especially early in the season, but Northeastern men’s club lacrosse team is determined to find its first win.
After returning from a trip to California in late February, the team fell short of a victory against all three teams the Huskies faced on the road trip. University of California-Berkeley, Stanford University and University of California-Santa Barbara all defeated the Huskies, resulting in 8-7, 10-9 and 12-9 finals respectively.
“Our first few games we lost but they could have gone either way,” freshman Ryan Doherty said. “Those games, while they are all close, it showed ourselves we really can play at the top level in our league.”
According to Doherty, who plays attack, the team is able to regain their focus after a loss and be motivated for the next one. The close friendships and the chemistry on the team make this possible, he said.
Despite the recent lack of wins, co-captain Christopher Tecca said he remains confident in his teammates, and the prospect of achieving a victory. He commended the incoming freshmen and said he knows the team will be a strong one this year.
While the team is 0-3, its next chance to change their fate will be their upcoming game against Texas State University on March 16. The Huskies, who “desperately need a win,” are anxious but excited to play the Bobcats, according to head coach James Morin.
“We really hope that will get us started on the right foot,” Tecca said. “It doesn’t mean we are going to take them lightly. They are a strong team.”
Although Morin said he knows that there were areas in which the coaching staff and players could have done differently, he commended the leadership of the four captains, Ryan Shea, Christopher Tecca, Dave Margolius and Mike Lehmann, who all keep a positive attitude.
“They’re four guys that are beyond the average guy their age,” Morin said. “They are incredible guys who work really hard and do a great job in leading their team.”
Attitude and mentality are huge factors that can impact a player’s performance, and they’re areas of focus for this team.
“We all preach mental focus and work till the last minute. Hard work and focus is really what we strive for,” Doherty said.
Last season, Northeastern fell to the SUNY-Buffalo Bulls in the Patriot Collegiate Lacrosse League championship (PCLL), a loss that cost them the chance to play at the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) tournament.
However, Northeastern’s rivalry with Boston College isn’t just for varsity sports. The club lacrosse team said their biggest rivals are the crosstown Eagles of Boston College.
“Those are the guys we want to beat,” Morin said. “They are 5-0 and ranked 15th but we are able to use things bigger than lacrosse to create more excitement for that type of game. I look at a Northeastern student in a different light than a BC student.”
The Eagles’ standings make them a dominant team but Tecca said it is one of the games he is most excited about.
The team will play both SUNY-Buffalo and Boston College in late April.
The team’s ultimate goal is an MCLA title, but they must first win the PCLL, which Tecca is certain of. This year the tournament will be held in South Carolina in mid-May.
“We are in the right spot. We have all the pieces,” Tecca said. “We just need to put them in place and that is just winning games, which we have yet to do. But again, I’m very confident.”
