(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia men's lacrosse will begin their 2020 campaign when they play host to Kalamazoo College Sunday, March 23rd at Detroit Country Day. The Cardinals will once again face a competitive schedule this year, playing seven opponents that are currently either ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches Poll. Last season, CUAA finished with a 4-9 record including a win over (RV) Missouri Baptist. The team will look to build up more momentum as they go into Head Coach Ty McGuire's second season at the helm.
McGuire is excited for the season to begin and see his team take its next step forward. "This team is the closest we've ever had and we have a room full of high-character, hard-working guys."
2019 Review
Concordia completed the third year in program history with a 4-9 overall record in 2018. The team picked up wins against Missouri Baptist, Clarke, Cleary, and UM-Dearborn. The highlight of the year came in their close win over (RV) Missouri Baptist in March. The Cardinals were led by Devin Wolever (JR/Battle Creek, MI) with a hat trick as the Cardinals outlasted a late Spartan surge.
Statistically, Concordia's offense came through the trio of attackers in Devin Wolever (28 goals, 15 assists), Blake Blaisdell (JR/Romeo, MI) (21 goals, 9 assists), and Oliver Niedzwiecki (SR/Toledo, OH) (17 goals, 7 assists). Senior Austin Kelly was the primary goalie for the Cardinals, stopping 112 shots throughout the season. Defensively Concordia was led by Collin Webb (JR/Fort Wayne, IN) and Austin Ventimiglio (JR/Romeo, MI) who forced 18 and 9 turnovers respectively.
2020 Schedule Outlook
The Cardinals will open up the 2020 season with a pair of home games in February against Kalamazoo and Clarke. Concordia faced Kalamazoo in a scrimmage and beat Clarke by a score of 13-9 last year. In early March the Cardinals will take a trip down to southern Kentucky for a set of games against Montreat and fourth ranked University of the Cumberlands. This will the first meeting between Concordia and University of the Cumberlands, and just the second matchup with Montreat who beat the Cardinals 5-12 in 2017.
Following the trip down south, the Cards will have a stretch of four home games including two non-conference contests and two of the more difficult WHAC opponents they will see all season. The homestand opens with Saint Ambrose and Mount Vernon Nazarene for out of conference matchups. Then the Cardinals will host second and sixth ranked Indiana Tech and Madonna to round out the home series.
Next up for Concordia will be a couple of road games in Lawrence Tech and Siena Heights. The Blue Devils are currently sitting at third in the national polls and the Saints are receiving votes as well. The remaining five games on the schedule are filled with conference foes highlighted by (RV) Lourdes and eighth ranked Aquinas.
2020 Concordia Personnel
Head coach Ty McGuire returns 13 players from the 2019 squad along with 5 incoming freshmen and several upperclassmen who are transitioning from fall sports to lacrosse.
He returns his trio of attackers in Devin Wolever, Oliver Niedzwiecki, and Blake Blaisdell who combined for a total of 97 points last season. On defense, the Cardinals have Collin Webb, Austin Ventimiglio, and Reggie Thompson (SR/Chicago, IL) back to anchor the back line. Jordan Robinson (JR/Battle Creek, MI), Ryan Iles (SO/Royal Oak, MI), Miles Riddell (JR/Romeo, MI), and Nick Stedtefeld (JR/Sterling Heights, MI) will return for McGuire in the midfield.
Freshman Joseph Loria (FR/Fenton, MI) is set to be in goal for Concordia and fellow freshmen Noah Sorenson (FR/Holland, MI), Jake Brigmon (FR/South Lyon, MI), Luke Hovarter (FR/Howell, MI), and Keshawn Simmons (FR/Detroit, MI) will also look to have an impact early on in their collegiate careers. Anthony Tucker (SR/Canton, MI), Matt Osborne (SR/Hudson, MI), Cooper O'Gara (SR/Cincinnati, OH), and Tajo'n Williams (SR/Flint, MI) will also look to bring something to the program as experienced college athletes in soccer and football at Concordia.
Devin Wolever and Collin Webb were selected as the team's captains with Oliver Niedzwiecki and Reggie Thompson being named assistant captains for the 2020 season.
"We're in a fun position where there isn't one guy on the team that shouldn't make an impact," said McGuire. "We return 75% of our offensive production from last year and have some new impact guys that I have a ton of confidence in."
Team Motto
The team has selected Galatians 6:9 as a verse that has significance for their upcoming season. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Connect with the Cardinals
For the most updated information and news throughout the season, follow the Concordia Men's Lacrosse team on their social media platforms. The Cardinals are on Twitter (@ConcordiaMlax) and Instagram (@CUAAMLAX). Fans can also subscribe for text alerts and the Cardinals YouTube page for video interviews from players and coaches.
