Ellie Clissold
The Florida Southern men’s lacrosse team will step back on the playing field this month, after their season was cut short by the pandemic last year.
Players received the news from men’s lacrosse head coach, Marty Ward, that their 2021 official schedule had been released.
The team’s first stop on the schedule is an away match at Florida Tech on March 20 at 12 p.m. The Mocs have high expectations since their last game against Florida Tech was canceled during the 2020 season.
“Our team is looking pretty good,” junior Sean Nolan said. “The freshmen are playing well. I think that we’ll be more than ready for the first game of the year and we definitely have the potential to go undefeated this season.”
The Mocs finished their 2020 season with three wins and four losses prior to their following eight games being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Men’s lacrosse players jumped right back into preseason training when they were allowed to return to campus after winter break during the last week of January. With practice and weight training every day since then, players are anxious to put their preparation and efforts to the test.
“A lot of time and hard work from both the coaching staff and players has already gone into this season,” Nolan said. “We know it’s all in preparation to have a great season.”
The team will open the 2021 season ranked No. 18 in the country, according to the Nike Lacrosse Division II Preseason Top 20 poll.
Seven other teams across Florida are a part of the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Mocs are scheduled to play their rivals, the University of Tampa Spartans twice this season. The first game will be on Florida Southern’s home turf on March 31, with the second game being held in Tampa on May 1.
To reduce traveling and coronavirus risks, the Mocs will only face other SSC opponents. No fans will be allowed at any FSC sporting event this spring.
Despite these changes, the Mocs still have high expectations for this season, with hopes of taking home a ring at the end of it.
“We’re going to come out strong the fist game and do our best to keep it going throughout the season,” Nolan said. “Our eyes are definitely focused on a conference or national championship.”
