via Lynn press release – photo by Jeff Romance

Boca Raton, Florida- The Lynn Fighting Knights men’s lacrosse team will hit the field this season after an abbreviated year in 2021. During their last campaign, they went 6-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play, with their only two losses on the season coming to Tampa.

It won’t take long for Lynn to attempt to get their revenge on the Spartans, as the two teams will open up play with a non-conference game on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at Bobby Campbell Stadium. Though the contest won’t count toward SSC standings, it will set the tone for who the best team in the league is.

In the SSC Coaches Preseason poll, Lynn was picked to finish second behind Tampa who was picked first for the ninth consecutive season. Head coach Brian Kingsbury hasn’t forgotten about last season’s finale when his team lost by just two goals on the road at Tampa, ending the Fighting Knights season.

“2021 was a disappointing season, as we had a great team but did not make the NCAAs,” Kingsbury said. “This season, we have a very tough out-of-conference schedule, including the opener against Tampa, and we will have to win these games to be in contention for the NCAA’s,” Kingsbury said. “The graduates and seniors are the only ones on the field who have had a full season.”

These upperclassmen will have to look deep into the past to recall the last full season for the men’s lacrosse program. That took place all the way back in 2019 when most of these players were just freshmen. But Kingsbury doesn’t seem too concerned about his leaders guiding the program through the year.

“Lynn Lacrosse is based on building great leaders who can contribute to their community while at Lynn and once they graduate,” Kingsbury said. “The 2019 and 2021 teams were successful from the talent and leaders on the team. The 2022 season has great leaders in our captains, Daniel Luette and Xander Cosenza. It’s been a fun fall and we are looking forward to a really competitive full 15-game schedule.”

Luette and Cosenza will look to lead a talented group of returners that includes USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Third Team All-American Jalen Stanton, who has scored 34 goals as a member of the Fighting Knights. Stanton is a former SSC Freshman of the Year, an achievement he accomplished after scoring 20 goals in just six seasons.

In addition to Luette, Cosenza and Stanton, the Fighting Knights welcome back key returners in Reese Walker, Fisher Williams, Caleb Wells, Colin Casey, Tommy Ruddo and Shane Dodge. Each of these players will be looked to for their experience, as the program welcomes in plenty of new faces, including 12 freshmen.

“We will rely on the leadership of our older players to do well from February through May,” Kingsbury said.

The men’s lacrosse season gets underway on Saturday, Feb. 5 with the aforementioned 2 p.m. game against Tampa. They will open up conference play at home on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m. against Rollins.

About the Lynn University Fighting Knights

Lynn’s NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 25 national titles and 47 conference championships. The Blue and White are a member of the Sunshine State Conference, the Division II “Conference of National Champions.” Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Lynn for its innovation, international students and value. To keep up to date on Lynn Athletics, follow @Lynn_Knights on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.