“This is the best team in program history to date.”
This was the response of Liberty men’s lacrosse coach Kyle McQuillan when asked about what makes him excited about the upcoming 2018-19 season.
After a stellar 2017-18 season, which saw the Flames qualify for their first appearance in the MCLA Division I National Championships, Liberty is looking to establish themselves as a national contender worthy of recognition. Last spring, Liberty only graduated one senior, which leaves a steady core of reliable players for the upcoming year. McQuillan is glad to be in the current situation.
“We’ve got a steady group of guys that we will rely heavily on to help transition the younger guys into the program,” McQuillan said.
That core of reliable upperclassmen includes senior defenseman Win McKeever, whom McQuillan has high praise for.
“He embodies to our younger guys how to play the game, but has the characteristics we are looking for (in our players) on and off the field,” McQuillan said.
Last year, McKeever was a steady presence on defense, guiding the Flames to a 9-6 regular season record and a second-place finish in the Northwest Division of the SELC. Furthermore, last season was highlighted by an upset of eventual national champion Michigan State, which gave the Spartans their only loss of the entire season. McKeever believes a statement win like that will be a huge confidence booster for the Flames once the season begins.
“(It shows) we can hang with the top dogs, and we’re here to show how strong we can be,” McKeever said about what that win means to the team.
However, the success that the Flames had last year is just that: last year’s success. On top of injuries and his players sustaining academic eligibility, McQuillan believes being content
with last year’s accomplishments could be a big obstacle to overcome for the Flames.
“We cannot rest in that, and we must continue to push ourselves,” McQuillan said.
McKeever, who will also be a captain for the Flames this year, is aware of the responsibilities that come with his role, but is ready to accept them heading into the season. Last year, the Flames lost a heartbreaking, 11-10 overtime quarterfinal contest against top-ranked Chapman, which far exceeded the expectations placed on them. He believes that the biggest challenge will be getting Liberty over the next challenge of establishing national prominence.
Nevertheless, McKeever is optimistic and has high hopes for the Flames.
“Reaching the national championship and wining it is our goal,” McKeever said.
Liberty will have a daunting schedule to face once the regular season commences on Feb. 16. Highlighted by away games against perennial contenders Michigan State and Grand Canyon, the Flames will not have an easy road to travel to reach their goal of winning a national championship.