By Sam MacGilpin
@sam_macgilpin
After what was an experimental season for the Springfield College men’s lacrosse team in 2023, the Pride are poised to get back in the winning column this season. Last year, they went 6-9 in the regular season, yet were 5-1 in NEWMAC play. This year, they are looking to flip some of those results in their highly competitive out-of-conference schedule.
Longtime head coach Keith Bugbee, who is entering his 41st season with the Pride, feels the team has finally found its footing. Bugbee believes that, while last year’s team was in most games, the experience of this year’s squad will boost the Pride to the next level.
“We were very competitive, but we weren’t quite a championship-caliber team,” Bugbee said. “We couldn’t close the gate in some games, but I think this year will be much different.”
Bugbee, who has an astounding 34 winning seasons at the helm of the Pride men’s lacrosse program, thinks that the defense can be the x-factor for this team, especially in man-down situations.
“I felt like sometimes we were better last year when we were a man down. We take less risks and just hold our spot a little better,” Bugbee said. “We have a ton of older guys on the defensive end that will help us out.”
When it comes to defense, fifth-year captain and standout short-stick defenseman Jackson Lane preached that communication and chemistry are critical.
“Getting back to a positive record is really about staying within our systems, staying within ourselves, doing all the things that coach has asked us to do,” Lane said. “We’ve stayed together as a group, riding the wave like we have all preseason.”
The preseason has been a massive success for the Pride, as they put up a convincing win over Saint Rose and a close battle against No. 6 Bowdoin.
Bugbee praised his team’s play in the two scrimmages and is proud of the team’s progress.
“They definitely have come to play in both scrimmages. They filled it up for the full 60 minutes,” Bugbee said. “Our style of play has always been fast-paced, but so far, the players have committed to it.”
Pushing the ball up the field is nothing new to graduate-student Kevin Tierney, who ranks in the top three in both goals and assists among returning players.
Tierney, who tore his ACL two years ago, had a remarkable recovery and played in every game last year. In what could be his final season, Tierney is optimistic and ready to play meaningful games.
“I think this year we’re a lot more dynamic,” he said. “We got a few new guys and key pieces to help us out, and we all really like playing with each other. I think that’s one of the biggest things we all enjoy. Getting out here and getting after it. Just kind of building on what we had last year.”
Other key players for the Pride include long pole Toby Oliveira and long stick midfielder Gavin Carzello, who was named a Preseason All-American.
“He’s relentless,” Bugbee said. “He’s one of the best I’ve had in my career. He’s not the biggest, but he’s fast, and he’s relentless. Bill Belichick always talked about a great motor, and Gavin’s got a great motor. He just makes plays in every game; I can always think of two or three plays that he made that are amazing.”
Oliviera is focused on his team’s regular-season opener.
“We’re just looking forward to Nazareth,” Oliveira said. “That’s all I’m thinking about right now.”
Last season, Springfield dropped its opener to Nazareth 10-8, and the team is looking to get that one back on Saturday, Feb. 17 at noon on Stagg Field.
“We should’ve won that game last season. And I truly think we can win every game on our schedule. I do,” Bugbee said. “This Nazareth game will be huge for us and say a lot about who we are.”
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics