With a bigger roster and more experience, the Mount Carmel lacrosse team is entering the new season with confidence and higher expectations. Head coach Matthew Kelly, now in his second year, is focused on building off the progress made last season. After starting fresh with the program, Coach Kelly has worked to create a strong team culture and improve the basics of the game.

“We’ve got our foundation now, and we’re just taking it one step at a time,” Coach Kelly said.

The team has grown a lot since last year with the roster nearly doubled, bringing in many new players including a talented group of freshmen. This added depth gives the team more options and flexibility on the field.

Coach Kelly believes one of the team’s biggest strengths is its athleticism. Many players compete in other sports which helps them play a fast and aggressive style of lacrosse.

“We want to play an up-and-down, high-scoring game,” Coach Kelly said. “That fits the athletes we have.”

Players are also noticing the team’s improvement and stronger chemistry. Senior Tommy Cunningham said the team has learned how to work better together.

“We’ve got a great team,” Cunningham said. “I just want to be a good teammate and leader this season.” Leadership will be important for MC, especially during a long season. Senior captain Ryland Supurgeci knows how important it is to keep the team focused.

“As a captain, I’m trying to lead the team and keep everyone motivated,” Supurgeci said. “We all have the same goal.”

That goal is to improve from last year when the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Players are using that loss as motivation to push harder this season.

“That motivates me the most, just doing better than we did last year,” Cunningham said.

The team is also excited about several key matchups on their schedule. Games against strong opponents like Marist and St. Ignatius stand out as big tests. “I’m really looking forward to those games,” Supurgeci said. “They’re always competitive.”

Another reason for excitement is the freshmen class. Both players and coaches believe these younger athletes can make an immediate impact. “The freshman class is very loaded,” Supurgeci said. “They’re going to help us a lot.”

As the season begins Coach Kelly is focused on helping the team reach its full potential. While he isn’t focused on a specific record he believes the team has what it takes to compete at a high. level.

“If we can come together as a team and reach our full potential, we’re going to be a scary team,” Coach Kelly said.

With talent, leadership, and growing confidence MC lacrosse is ready to take the next step this season.