By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Lacrosse huddles pre-game against #5 Indiana Tech – Photo by Grace Malec
For the first time in program history, Men’s Lacrosse is heading to the NAIA National Tournament. After transitioning from an invitational to a championship event, the Saints are heading to Alabama. Hosted in Decatur, Ala. Semifinals are slated for Thursday, May 14 and the championship game is on the books for Saturday, May 16.
The best program finish for the Saints occurred in 2019, when they took home the second place title. Going into the tournament ranked third in the NAIA, the Saints are looking for a big showing. Despite successful previous seasons, finishing the 2025 season with an 11-5 record and the 2024 season with an 11-3 record, the Saints have been left out of Nationals contention.
“It means more to us,” Jaiden Woodson said.
Braeden Williams celebrates after a goal against #5 Indiana Tech – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saints will start championship play against sixth-ranked Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) on May 12. Other matches include top-ranked Madonna versus Cumberlands (Ky.), Reinhardt versus William Penn and Keiser versus Indiana Tech.
“I am not surprised we made it here,” Oliver Modderman said. “We have got a group of really talented guys. It just feels good that Aquinas is back at nationals. I came in the year after we made it to nationals (invitational) last, so I’m glad I’ve gotten to make it back in my four years here.”
The Saints fell short in WHAC tournament play, but are looking to make a statement as they take the National stage.
“It just means so much to us after all the extra work this team has put in this year to earn that spot,” Mitchell Pridgeon said.
Despite the tough finish at the WHAC tournament, the team walked away with several WHAC titles; TJ Murphy taking home WHAC Midfielder of the Year and First Team All-Conference. Braeden Williams, Collin Wildman, William Larriuz, Jaiden Woodson and Joe Bryson all took home Second Team All-Conference honors. Chase Haggerty was awarded the Champions of Character award. Finally, ten Aquinas Athletes were awarded with All-Academic Team honors including; Evan Doan, Dylan Giard, Jacob Halaas, Jack Jeffreys, Oliver Modderman, TJ Murphy, Isaiah Ramirez, CJ Russell, Max Sist and Blake Szymanski.
With the Nationals stage set, the Saints are ready to fight for the title and bring the Red Banner home to Aquinas.
“We are excited to make school history and compete on the national stage,” CJ Russell said. “This team has worked its tail off for this moment and we are ready to show it. We are a team that was built by hard work, we are not bought.”
Collin Wildman plays in WHAC Tournament against #5 Indiana Tech – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 