This past weekend, Oberlin men’s lacrosse opened its season in spectacular fashion, taking on Chatham University in a home game. The Yeomen obliterated the Cougars, outscoring them by 10 goals for a final score of 17–7 and setting the tone for the season to come.

Oberlin’s talent was felt across the entire roster, with the Yeomen scoring against the opposing team on many occasions. The Yeomen were also sound defensively — second-year goalie Joe Barocas played strong in his first career start, stopping 11 shots on goal and three ground balls.

“It was a great team win,” fourth-year Ryan Blasberg, an attack player on the team, said. “Our defense played well with Joe Barocas coming up big in the net. We continue to flow better and better [both offensively and defensively], and I’m looking forward to a great season.”

Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Ryan Polak and the nine fourth- and fifth-years lead with experience, and the Yeomen have great chemistry within their ranks.

“We’ve got a big group of seniors with lots of experience who’ve done a great job supporting our underclassmen in their new roles,” fifth-year defensive player Kiernan Stone said.

With a host of fifth-year players included in the bunch, the skill and level added to the team by veterans is undeniable as they pass the torch down to their underclassmen successors. First- years Solomon Brennan, Jacob Starcke, Drew Bornstein, and Michael Dinkel will definitely be highlights of the roster in years to come, with both Bornstein and Brennan recording their first career goals in the game.

Blasberg led the charge with a career-high six-goal performance. Starcke also got in on the action, sitting closely behind Blasberg with four goals for the day. Second-year Sam Ryu was also a top scorer, notching an impressive three goals. Both Ryu and Starcke recorded the first hat tricks of their careers. Second-year Niko Maheras and fifth-year Michael Muldoon also scored goals during lock-in penalty moments to help secure the victory.

Dinkel explained that the effects of senior leadership are a key part of the Yeomen’s success felt throughout the ranks of the team.

“It’s a great team, and all the older guys have done a really good job creating a great team culture,” Dinkel said. “Not only are they great guys and make the team a lot of fun, but they are great leaders that I look up to.”

Overall, it seems that Coach Polak and his class of fourth- and fifth-years are fostering a positive environment that should steer the team in the right direction in years to come. The Yeomen look to continue their winning streak against Albion College at home tonight.