Though they are not a Division I team, Buffalo's men's lacrosse team is real and it's spectacular. Though lacrosse is a club sport, it has one of the best records among Buffalo teams this year. Currently, the team stands at 6-2 overall, after finishing last year with a stellar record of 8-3.
The team is 3-0 in its regular season conference games. Team include going 6-0 in their conference. Lacrosse currently plays in the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association.
"We wanted to receive our first national ranking in six years. We're presently receiving seven top 25 votes...[our goal is to] win our division and face number-one-ranked Michigan in the conference tournament for a chance to represent our conference in the National Tournament," said head coach Ryan Crawford.
Crawford has been with the team for seven years, and is now entering his fourth year as head coach. He enjoys seeing how the hard work at practice pays off during the games.
"My favorite part of the team is the chemistry. We're a very close-knit group of guys that support each other both on and off the field," Crawford said. "When you have that kind of bond between players it makes it easy to come to practice every day. I know I'm going to get a maximum effort out of everyone on the team."
Captain and president of the club Ryan Kelly believes that team unity is one of the biggest reasons for their success.
"We're a very cohesive team, there aren't any separate groups within the team and everyone gets along with each other. This adds to the team camaraderie because it's easier to be better and to succeed when everyone gets along," Kelly said.
Like many other sports, goalie play and defense is one of the most important aspects of lacrosse.
"Our goalie is one of the best in the conference, who can be counted on to make big saves in big games," Crawford said. "We have an experienced defense that shuts down opposing offenses' best players. Our offense is a well-balanced scoring attack that relies heavily on team play."
Crawford also looks to his team leaders and senior captains Kelly, Andy Evans, Owen Lipp and Phil Manez for some extra assistance.
"They help the team by providing strong leadership both on and off the field. They keep the team focused during practices and they are the type of players that lead by example," Crawford said.
Going into the second half of their season, both Crawford and Kelly pointed out a few things the Bulls will be doing to make sure they rack up the wins.
"We've had a bunch of close wins so far, so I'd like to see our games more one-sided, so hopefully we can score more goals," Kelly said.
Crawford is very confident about the continued success of his team.
"We have a league contest against Ball State this Friday. I expect our team to come out firing on all cylinders as this will be our first home game on UB's turf field," Crawford said.
The Bulls' next game is at home on Kunz Field against Ball State this Friday, April 11 at 8 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
