Bennie lacrosse opens 2026 campaign with high scoring blowout

On March 7, the CSB Lacrosse team opened its season with a 21-2 victory over Edgewood. After finishing third in the WIAC Conference last year, the Bennies were ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls. With conference play beginning on March 25, the team has been preparing for the start of the season since fall.

Sophomore Ava Mosley, who scored five goals in Saturday’s win, was excited to compete at home for their first game.

“I think we put what we have been learning in practice into the game, so it was exciting to watch and be a part of that. The game showed us what we can continue to work on in the next couple of months as well,” Mosley said.

The team has been preparing for the season in practices, watching film and doing lots of team bonding, which Mosley attributed to the team’s great chemistry.

“We’ve been working very hard on all our systems and plays in practice, and really making sure we know the ins and outs of our game. We like to watch and talk through film on ourselves and other teams,” Mosley said.

Heading into the season, Mosley said the Bennies have big goals for themselves and that the team really wants to win the WIAC and make it to the NCAA tournament.

“We want to be able to prove to everyone that we should be taken seriously and aren’t just a small team from the Midwest. Above all, we want our love for this sport to grow and have fun playing it with our team,” Mosley said.

Senior Ella Steinke said Saturday’s game was an awesome start to the season.

“It was great seeing everyone’s nerves go away as we played. You could see by the way we were playing that we were all having fun. It was also fun to see the freshmen play their first collegiate game,” Steinke said.

With big goals for the season, Steinke said this team is special because of their chemistry and community.

“We enjoy being around each other and pushing each other, which will translate onto the field. We have a ton of young talent whose eager to work hard and learn from our older players, and at the same time they challenge us to be better too. It makes it a really amazing, strong balance,” Steinke said.

Steinke is focused on taking things as they come this season, appreciating the little things and making the most out of every game.

“I’ll definitely cherish the bus rides, practices and team bonding moments a little more this year. I’m also looking forward to leading our younger players into becoming leaders themselves. Overall, I’m hoping to leave a positive legacy and help make this season a great one,” Steinke said.

Senior Sami Hackley, who scored seven goals against Edgewood, said it was good to be back out on the field after eight weeks of practice. Hackley said the team’s goal this season is to win the conference. The team thinks that Colorado College, the No. 1 ranked team in the conference, will be the Bennies’ toughest game.

“Our goal is to not lose to any Wisconsin teams and not lose any home games. We want to get back to the conference championship since we haven’t been for two years,” Hackley said.

They’ve been strength training since fall with indoor practices starting in January and in February, the team was able to be out on the field practicing.

“I’m excited to see how it all wraps up. Ella [Steinke] and I are the only seniors, so we’ve seen a lot of growth over the years. I’d love to get a Cinderella ending, but I’m excited for the season and everyone’s growth. It’ll also be fun to see how things end up and then watch the team in the future as an alum,” Hackley said.

Head coach Patrick Crandall said it was nice to finally get out on the field and have a game.

“It was fun seeing how the freshmen play and mesh with the team and to see how everyone gels together,” Crandall said.

In a preseason poll, CSB was picked as No. 2 in the conference behind Colorado College.

“Our expectation is to be in the top two at the end of the season. It will take a lot of work to be the top one,” Crandall said.

Crandall is looking forward to seeing how the team develops throughout the season.

“I’m excited to see in the beginning how different they are in the end and what they can do in difficult situations. The culture here is great and I love coming to work each day to see them because they’re a special group,” Crandall said.