By Cameron Stubbs
The Youngstown State University lacrosse team has been in action playing “fallball” games throughout this autumn.
Beginning in late September, the team played 10 straight games on the road until it returned home to finish its schedule at Farmers National Bank Field against St. Bonaventure University Oct. 30.
With nine incoming freshmen and three redshirt freshmen on the roster, these unofficial five-period games serve as a development and chemistry building opportunity for the Penguins.
Junior attacker and team co-captain Erin Clark believes that despite the new faces, the team will continue to thrive.
“We are very lucky to be returning all of our players from last year minus our goalie, and we’re adding new freshmen,” Clark said. “We’re building chemistry with our freshmen right back up where we left off.”
The lacrosse team, while still in its infancy as it began play in the 2020-21 season, has seen early success.
Last year, the team clinched a share of the Mid-American Conference title with Robert Morris University and Central Michigan University, all of them reaching a record of 8-2 in MAC play.
The Penguins had their postseason hopes cut short as the Colonials defeated them in the semifinal round 22-14.
A change has arrived as head LAC coach Theresa Walton accepted an offer to coach at Old Dominion University. With the departure, a familiar face has stepped up to take the helm of the Penguins’ future.
Kendyl Clarkson has been promoted to head coach after being a part of Youngstown State’s LAC team since her inauguration as assistant coach. Members of the team feel Clarkson is the obvious choice to take over as the head signal caller.
Junior midfielder and team co-captain Jordan Miller commented on their new head coach.
“A lot of it does feel the same, which is why we are so happy she was named our head coach,” Miller said. “[Clarkson] has worked so hard, put in so many hours — countless hours — to get us where we are and continue to push us to win the conference championship this spring.”
After a 2-7 first season, the Penguins improved to 10-7 its second season. The Penguins are looking to make waves in the MAC this upcoming spring season.
Junior defensive co-captain Aryss Lindsey focused on how the team’s off-the-field connection fuels its play on the field.
“The fact that we are so close off the field builds our team chemistry even more. That’s what makes us a family,” Lindsey said.
The LAC team will look to “rip twine” and go “bar down” in the upcoming spring season. Stay up to date on all things lacrosse at ysusports.com.
