The NMU men’s club lacrosse team was selected to compete in the Division I bracket of the Great Lakes Lacrosse League Championship tournament in Madison, Wis.Out of 28 teams in the tournament, eight teams were selected to compete in the Division I bracket. Twenty teams will compete in the Division II bracket.
The ’Cats open against Marquette University (7-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 in the GLLLC tournament. The Wildcats are undefeated this year, with a 7-0-1 record. Their only tie-breaker was against UW-Stevens Point (4-4) on Sunday, April 6 in a final score of 5-5.
Senior midfielder Craig Pulak said this year has been great and the team wouldn’t miss this opportunity to play in the GLLLC tournament.
“Our team chemistry is real strong,” Pulak said. “Our team has been consistent and everyone has contributed and has done their part. We are looking well all around. We are winning face-offs and shooting goals.”
The men’s lacrosse team is a part of the Division II North Division of the Great Lakes Lacrosse League.
Pulak said the team’s shift from the past couple of years has been impressive, as they have made major improvements.
“About three years ago, the team didn’t win a single game,” Pulak said. “Our manager, junior Jack Gosselin, has made major improvements and contributed to turning the team around. We all get along well and have built a great team and organization.”
The GLLLC committee selected the top eight-ranked teams for the Division I bracket of the tournament, and the ’Cats made the top bracket.
The Wildcats will open against Marquette University. NMU will see Division I teams at the GLLLC such as Northwestern, Notre Dame, Marquette University and Wisconsin. This year, the Wildcats scored 61 goals against their opponents and allowed 22 goals in eight games total.
The GLLLC is scheduled to begin Saturday, April 26 with championship games to be completed on Sunday, April 27.
The tournament will be held at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., where the Wisconsin Badgers football team hosts their games during the season.
Junior midfielder Jack Gosselin said, from his standpoint, the team has been the best it’s ever been over the span of the past three years.
“We have a good shot at winning the tournament this year; we have a lot of good players and we are a physical team,” Gosselin said. “We are looking to have fun and enjoy the moment during the tournament. We perform well and we come together as a team nicely.”
