The Calvin men’s lacrosse team had an underwhelming season last year, and it seems as though they are determined to write a more positive story this season.

Last Friday the team traveled to Defiance, Ohio, to take on Defiance College. After one look at the final score, one could conclude that the Yellow Jackets were not ready for the Knights’ attack. With a final of 28-1, Calvin recorded the most goals in the team’s history as well as the largest margin of victory.

Head coach Luke Griemsman told Calvin Sports Information, “[I] was very proud of our guys winning with character. I am really happy with how we played today. It was nice to see all the hard work that the guys put in during the offseason.”

Beginning in the fall, the team has been working all offseason to play the way they did against Defiance.

“After getting beaten badly a lot last year it was nice to be on the other end of that,” said sophomore attacker Nate Ray. “Defiance battled until the last whistle and I have so much respect for that team, but I honestly think no one was gonna beat us that day.”

Ray lead Calvin’s offense with 10 goals. Junior Chris Griffin notched seven goals of his own and first-year student Seth Gaylon scored four goals and had seven assists. Goalie Tristan Parece, a first-year student, had nine saves.

Specifically compared to last year, this win gives the team confidence. Aside from that, though, simply being able to put their effort from practice and workouts is a breath of fresh air for the team. The 28 goals that Calvin scored were a result of execution and full effort.

“We were 21 for 21 on clears, which is amazing and rare in lacrosse. I think we all just played our hearts out,” said Ray. “We also executed our transition and set offenses extremely well which led to the result that we got.”

While the first game of the season is important, it’s not necessarily a foreshadow of the rest of the season. First-year student Jon Miller, utility man who plays faceoff, knows that the team still has to work hard in order to prepare for MIAA play later in the season.

“We really need to work on our offense and it’s not up to its full potential. We have a couple spots here and there to patch up, but that’s what practice is for,” said Miller, who had two goals of his own.

Ray shared a similar sentiment, saying that it’s important for the team to work on “the little things” and improve their lacrosse IQ. He is confident that if the team perfects these things, the team will continue to improve.

The team won’t be playing at Calvin just yet; this Saturday they will travel to Kentucky to face Centre College.