Zachary Worstell
zdw001@marietta.edu
Under new head coach Ben Suchomma the Men’s lacrosse team has reached a new personal best on the season. The team has been growing and improving under his leadership since he was hired for the 2022-2023 season. While they finished 5-10 last season, he has worked with the team to establish themselves in the OAC.
The 2023-2024 season began with a difficult road stretch as the Pioneers had to play two schools whom they have never beaten. That would not change as the Pios lost to Transylvania University and lost to Chatham University. However, starting out 0-2 did not discourage the team as they were ready to bounce back for their home opener.
During their home opener against Franciscan University, they were able to come back as they scored 9 unanswered goals and beat the Barons 14-9. With their first win of the season on their belt, Marietta continued their hot streak as they got wins against Virginia Weseleyan and Washington and Jefferson. However, Marietta hit a roadblock for their last two non-conference games as they suffered losses to Wittenburg and Saint Vincent.
With a 3-4 record against their non-conference opponents, the Pioneers looked down the barrel of their OAC competitors. While Marietta did start out with a loss against Baldwin Wallace, whom they have never beaten, they were able to go on a four-game winning streak. The streak began with a 22-5 victory over Wilmington College before they traveled to Mount Union. Marietta narrowly beat Mount Union 10-9 in overtime. Marietta copied that result against Muskingum and beat Heidelberg 15-4.
This hot streak was unfortunately followed by a cold streak as the Pios went on to lose the final four games of the regular season. These losses game against Ohio Northern, Capital, John Carroll, and Otterbein. However, Marietta was able to make their way into the OAC Tournament for the first time ever with a record of 7-9. They will play Capital University in the quarterfinals in Columbus. The Pioneers are 0-6 against Comets and most recently lost to them 19-2 this season. Although, their luck may change in the post season stage. They’ll face off against each other at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday April 27th.
