The Ohio Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse team is gearing up for an exciting
2025 season. They are building off a strong performance of an impressive 11-5 overall
record in 2024.
Many players received personal accolades from last season. Five players were
named honorable mention All-American selections, and all five will return this upcoming
season. Nine players were named to the NCAC all-conference teams, with five named
to the first team, two to the second team, and two to the third team.
Malik Sillah, a senior midfielder on the team, discussed the team's upcoming
season and goals. The team faced early adversity after losing its defensive coordinator
a month before the season began.
“This upcoming season, our team faces adversity by losing two captains from our
roster, but we are returning 90 percent of our starters. The team goal for this upcoming
season is to bring grit and family together and stay as one unit. Losing a coach near the
season makes a significant impact on the team. Not having one of our leaders before
my senior year season is devastating, but this team will rally in the face of adversity.”
Sillah’s roommate, Cole Glazzard, is very close with many of the team's players.
He regularly attends games and discusses their commitments to the team and how
meaningful this season is to the seniors.
“I would say that my roomates biggest commitment during the lacrosse season is
accountability. They wake each other up for early practices or team lifts and don’t let
each other fall behind in school by missing assignments or classes. Their last season is
very meaningful to them. They’ve talked about how the past 3 years have flown by and
that this is their last year to play with each other and the sport they love for the last time.
I think this year they’ve been working extra hard on themselves and the team.”
John Cervieri, a senior defenseman, discussed the strength of the team's
schedule. It has one of the most demanding schedules in recent years, with many
ranked teams, such as Salisbury, Stevenson, Franklin and Marshall, Kenyon, and
Denison.
“We are excited to compete at a high level throughout the season against some
of the best teams in the nation. It gives us a chance to challenge ourselves and prepare
for our conference play and the playoffs towards the end of the season.“
They kick off the season on February 8 at Stevenson University, ranked
18th nationally in the preseason polls. The home opener is scheduled for February 15
against Grove City University, a rematch after the Bishops lost to them in the 2024 season.
With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the OWU men’s
lacrosse team is poised to have a challenging yet successful season, with fans and supporters
eager to see how the team will build off last year's season and achievements.