Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling Men's Lacrosse team kicks off their season on the road at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU).
Last season, the Cardinals went 8-7 overall and 6-3 in conference, and made an appearance in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Cardinals were ranked as the number four seed heading into the quarter finals against number five seed Davenport. The Cardinals beat Davenport 12-9 and advanced to the semifinals. They would then match up to number one seed Seton Hill and fall 29-4. The Cardinals finished their season on a high note with being over .500 and ended 8-7,6-3.
Four Cardinals were able to bring home a G-MAC award, three of which have graduated, including Brenner Chase, Mitchell Park, and Austin Hall. Brenner Chase earned 1st Team All-Conference and All-Tournament Team, alongside former teammate Austin Hall; while Mitchell Park and Owen Worley earned 2nd Team All-Conference.
The Cardinals step into their first game of the season against Tusculum University with a returning start and new addition.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Railsplitters will be meeting for the second time this year on Saturday, February 7th. They met for the first time last year, where they fell to the LMU in a close matchup.
There was a one goal difference at half time in their last match up. Going into the second half, LMU would out score the Cardinals 4-0 in the third quarter, which gave them a 10-5 lead. The Cardinals were then able to get some more points on the board in the fourth quarter by outscoring LMU 3-0, but it was still not enough to get them the lead. They fell 10-8, but look to come out on top this time.
LMU went 4-10,1-8 last year and was led in goals by former player Rhodes Conroy. The Railsplitters brought back the other four top scorers from last year. They will also be bringing back both starting goalkeepers from last year, Connor Fitzgibbon and Jayden Herman, where they have combined 164 saves. They have graduated their top three defenders in caused turnovers, but have some returners who excel in getting ground balls.
The first faceoff of the Cardinal lacrosse season will be Saturday, February 7th at 12 PM in Harrogate, TN.
