After a slow start, the men’s lacrosse team has picked up the pace, winning its last two games. The men used a tough opening schedule to hone their skills and grow as a unit.

“We take the first part of our season as an opportunity to learn where we are as a team,” said junior attacker Brad Westcott.

On Friday against Grand Canyon University, the Eagles showed what type of team they are. In a back-and-forth battle, the Eagles eventually emerged victorious by the score of 15-13.

Biola trailed the Antelopes by two points at the half, but their persistent offense prevailed as they outshot the Antelopes 41-25. Senior attacker Ben Agadoni led Biola with six goals and two assists.

Saturday the men went on the road to open up conference play against Cal State Fullerton. The Eagles rode the wave of momentum from Friday’s home game, overpowering the Titans 20-6.

Sophomore goaltender Jonathan Lowell had 10 saves on his way to a .625 save percentage. Agadoni racked up six total points for the Eagles with five assists and one goal. Meanwhile Westcott tallied an impressive nine goals on the evening, a feat he credited to his teammates.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” said Westcott. “The midfield put in a lot of hard work and got me in good position.”

This week the lacrosse team will head to Las Vegas to play the University of Nevada at Reno and division opponent the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

While the bright lights of Vegas can be distracting, the Eagles are focused.

“We are taking it seriously,” said junior midfielder Ronald Toth. “The guys have been putting in work all season long and creating chemistry as a team.”

The team chemistry is evident on the field. In Saturday’s victory over Cal State Fullerton, 12 of the first 18 goals were assisted.

The men are atop the Division II South standings and are looking to build on that lead this week. Catch the lacrosse team on their next homestand when they play Dominican University on March 8 and St. Edwards University on March 7.