With two consecutive state titles on their record, the boys’ lacrosse team returns to the field loaded with experience and talent. With upgraded rivals such as Blake and Eden Prairie, the Red Knights will have to work hard to answer the question that everyone is wondering: will they three-peat?

“I absolutely believe this team can three-peat,” said junior midfielder Rob Lance.

The team is ranked first in Minnesota on national lacrosse website West Side Lax thanks to strong talent in all positions of the game. The offense last season averaged just under 13 goals per game, while the team allowed just under four goals per game. “We are going to have a lot of offensive power, especially from the attack again this year. Our defense is going to be solid, along with our midfield. One great strength is simply a lack of weakness,” said Lance.

With the retention of high scoring senior attackers Will Hoesely and Christian Horn and senior midfielder Simon Gondeck, as well as defensive assets like senior defenseman Joe Pettinger and senior long-stick midfielder (LSM) Ryan Lawyer, the team should maintain their competitive level of play. “Our offensive lines are solid and have a lot of depth,” said senior LSM Luke McCormick, adding “We’ve got some talent on ‘D’.”

“[I’m] really confident we have the skill and the right guys to win it all again,” said Horn.

Returning to the net this season is senior goaltender Thomas Gilligan. ESPN ranks Gilligan as the 15th best goaltender in the country, and he will be relied upon heavily to keep the team in the title race the entire season. “We have the best goalie in the state hands down,” said Horn.

With most players returning from last season’s squad, a strong team chemistry is already established. Combined with the experience and knowledge of their coach, Mr. Colin Mulcahy, the Red Knights should be aggressive from their earliest games. “Coach Mulcahy is awesome. He knows the perfect balance in how much responsibility to give to his captains and players, leaving us feeling like we are in full control of what happens in the season,” said Lance.

“I have a lot of confidence in this team,” said Lance. “We can get a lot done. I would say it is all a matter of effort, but every player coming back knows they want another trophy in the Haben Center, and are willing to put in all the work necessary to do so.”