Photo courtesy of Zachary Anderson.

In 2023, the Fighting Bee’s of St. Ambrose Men’s Lacrosse team fell to Keiser University of Pensacola, Florida. “It was sad in the moment but looking back at nationals, it was an accomplishment to even make it there and play against the best team in the country. It shows that our boys can compete with anyone and this year we want it all,” says sophomore midfielder, Joey Curzon.

This year the Bees are off to a great start as their 6-3 record shows. This team says their last year’s experiences can help them win a national championship.

Number four for the Fighting Bee’s, EJ Loggins, a midfielder out of Chicago, Illinois, says, “In order for us to become top five in our conference and go to national’s, we just have to continue to put in a lot of hard work. We have the players, we have the skills, and we have all the right pieces to the puzzle.”

As an addition to the roster for this year, the Lacrosse team has mixed both new and old faces with different skill sets to win games.

A freshman stand out from St. Charles High School, Zack Priami, has scored 21 goals in just nine games. “It feels pretty good to know you can compete with those guys at this level. It’s all about knowing your role and knowing what you can do to be the best player and teammate possible.”

For Curzon, winning a national championship would mean everything to this year’s team. They are eager and hungry for the chip.

“The most exciting thing about being a part of this lacrosse team is the brotherhood that comes along with it. Having built relationships with these guys who start as friends but become brothers has even changed my experience at St. Ambrose University and made it so much better,” says Curzon.

The men’s lacrosse team says they can feel the support from their fans and supporters at SAU as they continue to cheer on the team at their home games.

A fan of the Bee’s, Yulnia Green, secretary for the Black Student Union says, “I really think I speak for us as a whole in saying that the boys really have a good chance to represent our university in bringing home a national championship, they have a really good team.” In order for these student athletes to get another shot at nationals, it’s important they take pride in their next seven games to mark a top five seat in their conference.

In the last two wins for the men’s lacrosse team, they beat Michigan Dearborn 14-8 and Mount Vernon Nazarene in a nail biting 11-9 win. Next, the team looks to take on senior night vs the Augustana Vikings. Then they will be one step closer to going to nationals this upcoming May where the Fighting Bee’s will be supporting them every step of the way.

Catch the men’s lacrosse team’s episode of Inside SAU Athletics here.

Jayven Jones is a staff writer for The Buzz.