Bennie lacrosse wins second consecutive MLC championship

The St. Ben’s lacrosse team (8-4, 5-0 MLC) recently played three games in six days, with one clinching them a regular season championship.

CSB defeated Hamline University 15-13 on April 24, bested Lake Forest University (Illinois) to win the Midwest Lacrosse Conference regular season by a score of 14-13 and fell to University of Wisconsin-River Falls 16-13 on Monday in overcast conditions.

Head coach Patrick Crandall is in his second season at the helm of the Bennies lacrosse program. Crandall was happy with how the team has rallied around one common goal.

“The message at Lake Forest was that the team can accomplish big things if we are all playing together and working for the same goal. The team found that extra gear in that game and rose up to the level they are capable of playing at consistently. It was another hard-fought win for this team who has been battling all season,” Crandall said.

Crandall is pleased with the leadership of the team, despite not having any seniors rostered in 2024.

“It has been an interesting regular season. Being selected as the pre-season favorite in our second season is tough. We have a lot of first-years playing big minutes on this team and our leadership group is made up of sophomores, so they all had to mature quickly and find some continuity that has been built by years of playing together,” Crandall said.

CSB has been led by captains Sami Hackley, Ella Steinke and back-to-back MLC Defensive Player of the Week Chloe Lewis.

Hackley has 43 goals and six assists in 12 games as a starter. This week she was named the Midwest Lacrosse Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

As a second-year player who has been on the team since it transitioned to DIII in 2023, Hackley has enjoyed every aspect of playing lacrosse at St. Ben’s and embraced the team’s expectations.

“This team is a lot different than last year’s team because now we understand our roles on and off the field and expectations we need to meet. Yes, the expectations can be demanding, but it also means we care so much about representing our program and CSB. This year has gone by so fast, and it is hard to believe that we are starting our playoffs. We have been having a blast and going with the flow this season, which I think will take us far in this postseason,” Hackley said.

As a captain, Hackley has been proud of how the team has stepped up and led by example.

“I love seeing our first-years step up into leadership roles, and it means a lot to our program because first years [can] continue this role in future seasons. This leadership also builds confidence on the field, and we are starting to see that shine through everyone,” Hackley said.

Steinke, who recorded five points in the most recent contest against the Falcons of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, described the regular season as a year of overcoming challenges and resiliency.

“Every year is going to be different, and this year we have overcome challenges that have come our way. I’m really proud of everybody for that and looking forward to next season,” Steinke said.

Lewis, who also plays hockey for St. Ben’s, has been a two-year starter in net for CSB and won back-to-back MLC honors.

“It was a huge honor to receive this award, but I wouldn’t have been able to receive it without the work my teammates have put in on the field in front of me during games,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis, she keeps it very simple as she prepares for games.

“I get a good amount of sleep but not too much, I make sure to be in the right head space before every game that allows me to play the best, and I drink a coke before every game,” Lewis said.

The Bennies won their first playoff game against Hamline on Wednesday and will face Lake Forest College on May 4 in the MWLC championship.

Last season, the Bennies lost to Lake Forest in the MWLC championship 16-6.

Steinke and Schrepfer each scored two goals in the championship loss for the Bennies in the game.