Bennie lacrosse falls short in first game of program history

Even with a loss against Wisconsin-River Falls by 16-5, the Bennie lacrosse team made history on March 20 by playing their first ever game in program history as a varsity team. The Bennies lost on the road 16-5 to Wisconsin-River Falls. The Bennies on the inaugural team are excited to be setting the tone for future lacrosse athletes at CSB as well as impacting the game of lacrosse in Minnesota.

“It means a lot to be a part of the first-ever lacrosse team here at CSB. None of us are taking it for granted, and it is really special to be doing it with this group of girls,” first-year defender and attacker Sami Hackley said.

In October 2021, CSB announced that they were starting a varsity lacrosse program as one of the eight members of the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference. Shortly after, Patrick Crandall was hired to lead the program. Crandall is one of the state’s top prep girls coaches with 11 years at Lakeville South High School. During that time, his teams twice finished as state runners-up and twice finished as state consolation champions before finally winning a state title in his final season last spring. According to some of the players, Crandall was a significant influence on why they decided to play CSB lacrosse.

“He makes you want to be a better person and a better player. His coaching style is one that is super intense, but we also have a ton of fun,” junior defender Addy Hackley said.

Crandall previously coached two CSB lacrosse athletes: Sami Hackley and first-year midfielder Ella Steinke.

“[Crandall] will forever be my favorite coach, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be coached by him for another four years. He is creating this great, new culture and program which is so fun to be a part of,” Sami Hackley said.

The first goal of the new program was scored by Steinke on a free position shot with 9:31 remaining in the second quarter. Additionally, first-year midfielder Grace Fitzgibbons added a goal and an assist, and first-year goalkeeper Chloe Lewis finished with 19 saves.Sami Hackley also had two goals and was celebrated by her older sister, who is also on the team.

“It was really special to see my younger sister score her first collegiate lacrosse goal,” Addy Hackley said. “There are a lot of first-time players on the roster, so getting to see them play in the game was really fun and special.”

The first game in program history was special for the Bennies. They focused on having fun and keeping the perspective that they are going to improve as the season goes on.

“All that really matters is that we are a better team at the end of the season compared to the beginning of the season,” Addy Hackley said.

According to Addy Hackley, there were lots of nerves for the game, but having the first game out of the way allows the team to move forward into the season with intensity. The season goes until April 29, and the Bennies are focusing on getting the most out of each game by giving it all on the field. According to Sami Hackley, a team goal for the season is to put in the work each day at practice because they know they are capable of winning future games.

“If we continue to work harder and together I think we can accomplish a lot this season,” Steinke said.

The Bennies compete against Hamline.