Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY KYLE MAIER, SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
The St. Bonaventure University men’s lacrosse team faces Marquette University this Saturday at the Tom 80’ and Michelle Marra Athletics Field Complex.
The Bonnies (1-5) seek their second straight win as the Golden Eagles (3-5) look to avoid their sixth straight loss.
The game serves as the Brown and White’s Senior Day. Seniors Connor Steria, Cam Germain, Tage Hoeg, and Nick Porfilio will be honored by the university before the game.
Steria, a midfielder, said he looks to have an impact on the field against MU with his leadership.
“I’m just going to do my best to support my team when I’m on and off the field,” said Steria. “As a senior, it’s my job to guide underclassmen and teach them the skills I’ve learned through my four years. It’s a team sport and everyone must play together for us to be successful.”
Steria has one goal, 10 groundballs, 13 forced turnovers, and four clearing turnovers through four seasons at SBU.
Head coach Randy Mearns spoke on the firepower the upperclassmen and underclassmen can have by strengthening their chemistry
“What I am most impressed about is the chemistry being forged between the veteran core and the young upstarts,” said Mearns after Bonaventure’s previous victory. “We have a lot of options and any one of them can explode in any game when they play together and share the ball.”
Hoeg, a midfielder, explained the importance of clearing in the upcoming matchup.
“During my senior day I will look to help out in the clearing aspect of our game plan Saturday,” said Hoeg. “Due to our struggles in the clear, we switched up some of our assignments within it, so I will look to be an asset there.”
The Senior Day also allows the seniors to reflect on their playing careers at Bonaventure.
Steria shared his favorite memory as a student-athlete.
“My favorite memory while playing at SBU would be getting the opportunity to play with my brother again,” said Steria. “He taught me how to play lacrosse and I always looked up to him. We always talked about playing lacrosse at the highest level when we were growing up and getting the opportunity will be a memory that will last a lifetime.”
David Steria, Connor’s brother, played as a defenseman at Bonaventure from 2019-2023.
Germain looked back on when the Bonnies made history his freshman year.
“Helping our team get our first win as a program against Quinnipiac is my favorite memory playing at SBU,” said Germain. “Not only a special moment for the players and coaches but also for the alumni and parents that provide plenty of support for our team.”
Germain also expressed gratitude for his time at Bona’s.
“As a senior, my experience has been nothing short of incredible,” said Germain. “I’ve had the opportunity to live out my dream in playing Division I lacrosse and have met some of my best friends along the way.”
Hoeg recalled when the university played in the MAAC championship game.
“From a team perspective, my favorite memory playing at St. Bonaventure is making it to the MAAC championship my sophomore year,” said Hoeg. “It was a pretty incredible experience that I will never forget.”
Despite a 1-5 start to the season, the seniors believe the team can turn its season around.
Germain expressed the ambitions he has for his squad.
“For the second half of the season, we look to achieve not only our first A-10 win for the program but also turn some heads around the country by making the conference tournament and hoisting the trophy,” said Germain.
Hoeg described the necessity to carry the momentum from the team’s 12-8 win against Canisius University.
“We have a lot of momentum right now coming off our win vs Canisius, so it will be vital to keep the momentum and energy alive during practice and games, especially when we get into A-10 play,” said Hoeg.
A win would give the Bonnies consecutive victories going into conference play.
The game starts at 1:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
maierkj22@bonaventure.edu
