Fight, flare, and readiness to fill a role defined the 2024-2025 season for 1st Lacrosse, one which saw them take home the CISAA Championship with a big 16-12 win over UCC at Yuill Field on May 22; the Saints' third title in four years.

The team's triumph came out of a campaign which grew in stages; showing it is never over, until it is over. Starting out the season missing a few key contributors, a huge win over Butler High School in Pittsburgh set a high precedent for the Saints. The team battled the whole way in missing these players, despite facing a difficult stretch through the start of April.

As the month progressed, so did the Saints; even with the absence of senior captains Michael Dec and Aidan Lane, as well as junior Finn Kearns, who were all fulfilling duties for their respective teams in the OHL Playoffs. Players such as Nolan Long and Nathan Rahl solidified the Saints starting attack at this point in the season. Rahl's 11 goals in Dec's absence up front showed how the Saints role players made the difference in turning the season around.

Starting long poles of Sebastian Dell' Elce and Paolo Frasca added to this ever-changing group of young men who were always willing to play a role. With the expected return of Kearns, the team desperately tried to find someone to fill that role. Mack Stewart, initially tagged as a defensive midfielder, was thrust into the spotlight after a couple of solid performances. He was able to solidify the starting defensive core and the three of them played exceptionally as the team awaited the return of Kearns.

The midfield was led by Jason Bonnema who had over 50 goals and 80 points. Hank Heider – the quarterback of the offense, was incredibly versatile, and Grey Berman - a two way defensively sound midfielder who every coach wants on their team, was a reliable two-way midfielder who played the game the right way. The midfield was completed with the electric play of Jaxon Cover, who when thrust into battle, solidified the Saints midfield attack.

The Saints draw team was packed with talent. With minimal experience, Felix Auger was lights out in the faceoff circle. One of the best all-around athletes on the field at all times, Felix went 50/50 against seasoned draw players and was huge for the team during the season. An unfortunate season-ending injury at the McMaster tournament halted his presence in the lineup, however the team's theme of always being there to fill a role struck once again. Zach Simone was ready at the helm to step up as the squad's magician on the draw, and consistently delivered in opening the play. The support on the draw did not stop there. Hank Heider's heroics kept the Saints in the game during CISAA championships as he dominated the faceoff circle.

As the team went into the May, and the CISAA playoffs, everything started to click. The team's D-Mid crew of Alex Carscadden, Luke Sinclair and Mack Stewart, were the superpower of the midfield. Carscadden in particular, collected 7 ground balls and 4 strips in the second half of the CISAA Championship game. The team's LSM, captain Evan Pahanich and Oliver Turner, were relentless all season; with Evan playing in every single game. With Turner undergoing hernia surgery, Ryder Iatan stepped up huge in his absence; being there to fill the role.

The backbone of the Saints was sophomore goalie Lincoln Obress. An absolute star in the month of May, it took him some time to get used to the speed of the high school game. However, as the season intensified, he only got better. His heroics in goal eventually led the Saints to the CISAA Championship game, playing his best two games of the season when they mattered the most against St. Mike's and UCC.
 
In the CISAA Championship game on Yuill Field, tensions were as high as ever. The band of brothers who had been through it all during a rollercoaster of a season had their eyes on one thing; defeating UCC and placing their hands on another CISAA Championship trophy. The championship set the stage for team's big players to make big plays, and did they ever. Five goals from Aidan Lane, another four from Jason Bonnema, two from Hank Heider, Michael Dec and Nolan Long, and another from Luke Sinclair, led the Saints to offensive glory. They say defense wins championships, and they would be correct. The backend was solidified by Alex Carscadden's dominance on defense, and Lincoln Obress displayed his performance of the season to spark the offensive charge going forward; locking down the title.

2024-2025 will go down as one of the most memorable campaigns in program history for a multitude of reasons. The group's resilience through being down players, facing difficult conditions and rough stretches did not phase them. Through the strong bond between coaches and players alike, the Saints did what they do best, show ultimate grit and never quit.