Men’s Lacrosse: Sticking Up for Each Other

By Maia Upp, Online Graphics Manager

// The Acalanes men’s lacrosse team (2-10 overall, 1-3 league) has their sights set on success despite facing rough patches and losing 20 seniors to last year's class. 

   The Dons faced Serra on Feb. 20 in a close match ending in a 5-7 loss. The team took a tough 0-17 loss against the strong Monte Vista Mustangs on Feb. 27. 

   In their first league matchup against Cal High on March 1 the Dons put up a competitive fight down to the last minute ending in an 8-10 loss. Their next league game against Northgate on March 8 was a challenge as well, resulting in a 5-14 loss. On March 12, the team lost to Berkeley High School 2-11 and on March 15 they lost to Campolindo 4-15. After that, the Dons lost to University High School 5-12 on March 20.

   The team is composed of many new players, including a brand new head coach Nathaniel Welcomer. Welcomer graduated from Acalanes in 2017 and played lacrosse at both Colgate University and Saint Mary’s College. The new team and their leadership continue to develop and grow as their season progresses.

   “We have a very young team, and not many returning varsity players. We have improved every game which is very positive,” Welcomer said. 

   As a result of last year’s seniors graduating, the Dons are rebuilding and strengthening their team chemistry.

   “I think losing a bunch of seniors last year is definitely one of the challenges for this year because it's basically a rebuilding year and you have to start over with the new kids, younger kids and it's been a challenge, but I think we will get through it,” senior Collin Malmquist said.

   The team consists of knowledgeable and positive captains who have guided their teammates toward achieving their collective goals.

   “We are blessed to have some very good captions that lead by example. They set the standard and they show up to practice every day ready to work,” Welcomer said.

   The boys, primarily the seniors, have set goals for themselves and successes they hope to get out of this program before graduation.

   “Last season we won league and went deep in NCS so of course I think our whole team has our eyes set on league at the very least and we’ll go to NCS and hopefully beat some good teams,” senior Ethan Pancoast said.