By Dominic Rapposelli
Elm Staff Writer
Washington College lacrosse is off to a 3-1 start, with the first four games of the spring are in the books. While Centennial Conference play does not start until March 25, when the Shoremen hosts McDaniel College, a winning record out of the gate is a good first goal for the team.
A key contributor to the team’s success is junior attacker Connor Garrison. Garrison is second on the team in both goals (11) and assists (4). Garrison registered two or more goals per game in the Shoremen’s three wins.
The team’s fast start is due, in part, to the overall ability of the team to score. They have managed to outscore their opponents 62-54 through the first four contests. This scoring has propelled the Shoremen to their best start since 2018.
“It feels good to have a winning record, but we have a long season ahead of us so we’re not going to think too much about it,” Garrison said.
The Shoremen are taking the season one week at a time. “We are focused on the next team and the next game,” Garrison said. “That’s our mentality.”
According to Garrison, he views himself as a “juice guy,” meaning he tries to lead by example with energy and passion.
Garrison has not been shy of contact either this season, absorbing a fair share of hits from defenders.
“I try to make some hard plays and score some cool goals to get the energy up,” Garrison said.
Garrison was quick to shine the spotlight on the rest of the team.
According to Garrison, he has a lot of teammates that support his ability to score and there are a ton of other players who deserve recognition for their roles.
This supporting offensive cast is spearheaded by the likes of junior Brady McFalls and senior Ewan Temple, who have eight and 15 goals respectively. In addition to Garrison, McFalls, and Temple, 12 other Shoremen have registered one or more goals on the season.
“I don’t think too much into stats,” Garrison said “I’m just grateful to have a role in the offense and this team and be playing again.”
The team’s coaching is also essential to their early success.
“Credit to my coaches, Nostrant, Cloud, and Chakey for coaching at the highest levels. Shout out to Josh and Emma, our strength coaches for getting us in shape this, and past seasons,” Garrison said.
The Shoremen are gearing up for a run of six straight home games through the remainder of the month of March. The home streak culminates with the opening Centennial Conference game against McDaniel.
“Come out and support,” Garrison said, “we have a great energy this year and appreciate the support from the home crowd. We feel like we can have a great year and love when everyone shows out.”