Zero losses. A stat line many teams aspire to achieve, yet few accomplish. However, for the Mustangs’ boys lacrosse team, after a 16-3 win over Liberty on May 13, their ‘perfect’ season became a reality.
The boys went undefeated over the course of 16 games, dominating the majority of opponents thanks to their explosive offense and strong, lock-down defense. Throughout the season, it was clear that both sides of the boys’ game proved their dominance.
Head Coach Will Stewart noted that there is a special connection between the offensive and defensive efforts of the team.
“When our defense makes a stop, we get the whole team involved in clearing the ball to our offensive end… so we have had more defensive players involved in scoring, either with goals or assists, than in past years,” Stewart explained.
As the Mustangs continued to dominate the scoreboards throughout the season, the anticipation continued to build surrounding the team’s success. Therefore, the coaching staff aims to keep the boys focused on one game at a time.
Stewart shared that he uses the phrases, “stay in love with the process,” and “process versus results,” in order to emphasize the importance of staying humble and avoid hyperfixation on the box score.
While the flawless 16-0 record has cemented this season in the boys lacrosse record books, the Mustangs are shifting their focus to the playoffs. In order to thrive in the playoffs, the coaching staff are using their week of preparation to work on areas of improvement.
“We can always improve our communication, and this applies both to coaches-to-players and players-to-players on the field,” Stewart noted.
Now, as the playoffs roll around, the Mustangs’ overwhelming success in the regular season will certainly be in the back of the minds of all the opponents they face. The Mustangs will play in their first region playoff game today, at home against the Kettle Run Cougars.
