The Southwestern lacrosse team won its third straight conference championship last month. The victory earned the team a spot in the National Championship Tournament that will be held in Frisco, Texas, beginning May 15. Southwestern is going into the tournament ranked 12th in the nation in the B division.

“This is the highest we have ever been ranked in the national polls,” said Southwestern coach Bill Bowman. “This team made a commitment at the beginning of the year to return to the national tournament and we were honored to receive a bid.”

Bowman said this year’s team was the deepest Southwestern has had in several years. This year’s defense was led by senior defensive captain Travis Nelson (Kingsville, Texas) and junior defensive captain Cole Claiborn (Houston), who allowed only five goals in conference all year. Goalie James McDonough (San Antonio) was among many who earned All-Conference honors in the Lone Star Alliance.

The team’s attack was led by Bryson Wersonske (San Antonio) and senior captain Jason Jones (Corpus Christi), along with a deep midfield under the leadership of senior captain Ian Daulton (Magnolia, Texas), junior Heath Thompson (Bryan, Texas) and senior Ryan Brown (Houston).

“Everyone has contributed in our third straight undefeated season in conference and our return to the national stage,” Bowman said. “The support from the university community, player parents and alumni has been wonderful during the last three years. We are honored to once again represent Southwestern University and the Lone Star Alliance once again at the national tournament.”


To follow Southwestern’s progress in the national championship tournament, visit http://www.mclachamptx.com/