By Josh Michel
With frozen ground beneath them and the start of a new season looming above them, two teams battle both the elements and each other, determined to prove themselves and ignite their season.
Cortland State men’s lacrosse team takes on Union University in their first scrimmage to kick off their 2025 campaign.
This is their first contest since the loss to SUNY Potsdam on May 1. last year. The team has been hard at work since September in preparation and is almost ready to be showcased to the rest of the lacrosse world.
Senior Attacker Caden Yancey spoke about what the team has done to prepare for the season since returning in the fall.
“We had guys really buy into the off-the-field additional work aspect that can lead to much more success in the season,” said Yancey. “We did a great job at keeping each other accountable, with captains checking in on players conditioning, stick handling drills, and weight lifting over the break.”
Practices began in early September and ended in mid-October leaving a 4-month gap until practices resumed in late January.
The team opened their doors and welcomed Union University onto Grady Field, this past Saturday.
This scrimmage gave the Red Dragons a test before heading into the season. This is due to Union having the Division III Faceoff Player of the Year Matthew Paolatto, two second-team All-Americans one third-team, and two honorable mentions last season.
The Red Dragons jumped out to a commanding 6-1 in the first quarter following an offensive onslaught provided by Cortland starting an attack
Yancey, Sam Rothman, and Kole Stuver’s goals had the Red Dragons’ sideline beaming with energy and enthusiasm.
After a dominant first quarter Union had the answer for the Red Dragons scoring 5 unanswered goals and eventually tying the scrimmage at 6-6 halfway through the third. The third quarter ended with a score of 8-7, with Union gaining the lead.
At this mark, Cortland and Union began to sub in some backups and get their other players some opportunity to prove themselves.
Senior Defenseman Jack Nucerino has been through 4 years of preseason scrimmages and had this to say about them and what they mean to the team.
“These scrimmages offer us a chance to play against a team in another jersey which is something the guys really need after several months of just playing against each other” Nucerino said.
Cortland’s last game was May 1. 2024, so it’s been quite a long time since the team has played against an opponent other than themselves.
Nucerino also touched on what these scrimmages mean from a technical standpoint for the team.
“When playing against another team and it doesn’t affect your record, it gives a team a chance to try out some of the stuff they’ve been practicing, and if it doesn’t work… no harm no foul,” He said.
Looking ahead, the Red Dragons will face off against Pace University in their final scrimmage on February 15.
After playing Pace, the team will then have three short days to prepare to face the first opponent of their 2025 season, RPI.
Senior Attacker and Captain Sam Rothman who led the team in points last season had this to say about beginning his senior season as a Red Dragon.
“We are all very excited to get out there and avenge our loss from last season and prove to the rest of the country that this can be our year,” Said Rothman.
This is one of the biggest games of the season for the Red Dragons as RPI is the 7th-ranked team in the country according to the preseason polls provided by Inside Lacrosse.
“This is a great way to start our season, RPI is one of the premier teams in Division III lacrosse. So for us to get tested like this to begin our season, it will give us a great idea of where we’re at and how we can improve,” Said Rothman.
Look out for the Red Dragons this season and tune into their game against RPI on February 19th at 4 pm on Grady Field.