The men’s lacrosse team defeated The College of Wooster Fighting Scots in an exhilarating 10–6 win in its season finale on April 19. The Yeomen conclude their season 8–6 overall and 3–4 in the North Coast Athletic Conference.

Sophomore Alex Wagman led the Yeomen’s offense with four goals and four assists. Wagman finished the season with 50 points, 30 goals and 20 assists. Sophomore Nick Lobely also contributed to the victory over the Fighting Scots with three goals and one assist, giving him 26 goals and 14 assists for a total of 40 points this season.

“We got out strong, we battled back and forth and then we were able to close it out, which is what we’ve been trying to push for all season,” said Assistant Coach Bill Schmoldt.

The Yeomen, who have struggled to play consistently for 60 minutes this season, were determined to end their season with a victory.

“We played our best game of the season,”said senior defender Paul Paschke. “Both our offense and defense played very well, and we were able to beat Wooster in transition.”

With only a one-score lead at halftime and a scoreless third quarter, the Yeomen managed to put the Fighting Scots away by scoring five goals in the fourth quarter.

First-year John Firestone, sophomore Mathew Fox and senior Connor Jackson each added a tally in the victory. Junior goalie Erickson Andrews played all 60 minutes, finishing the night with 13 saves.

This is the second year that Oberlin defeated Wooster in their season finale, knocking them out of the NCAC tournament both times.

Saturday night’s win marked the last game for six Yeomen seniors; Connor Jackson, Mickey Fiorillo, Paul Paschke, Noel Myers, Kirby Livingston and Mathew Rodgers will all graduate this spring.

Jackson departs the Yeomen after his fifth year with 101 career goals. The Yeomen will have big gaps to fill on their defensive end as well, losing starters Paschke, Myers and Livingston. Combined, the trio is responsible for scooping up 87 ground balls this season.

“We are certainly losing a number of players who played a lot of minutes on our defensive end, but we will still have a good group of kids that are going to contribute next year,” Andrews said. “This year our defense was ranked in the top 10 in both goals allowed and man-down opportunities, so improving on that will be tough, but is certainly a goal of ours.”

The Yeomen set out this season with the goal of making it to the NCAC tournament. However, for the second year in a row the Yeomen finished one spot short.

“We missed out, really, by one goal. We lost to Kenyon the last two years by a goal and they basically took our spot,” said Coach Schmoldt. “Next year we replace six seniors who played a lot, but we are bringing most of our offense back. So, we expect to play just as well on offense, if not better.”

This year Wagman, Jackson and Lobley led the Yeomen’s attack, together giving the Yeomen 84 of the team’s 134 goals. The team will look to Wagman and Lobley to continue leading the offense next year.

“I am very grateful for the time I have had with Oberlin men’s lacrosse,” Jackson said. “I am excited to see what my own future holds and I am equally excited to follow the team next season and see how they build off of this season.”