How to Root for the SCAD Lacrosse Teams: An Intro Into Lacrosse for the Art Student
Written by Leah Kilde. Photos courtesy of SCAD Athletics.
In recent years, the SCAD Lacrosse teams have performed exceptionally well. Last year the men’s team received multiple conference awards, and the women’s became National Semi-Finalists at the NAIA Tournament hosted at home in Savannah. This season is shaping up to be historic for both teams, and the season has officially begun! Unsure of how to enjoy the game? Here’s a run-down of everything you need to know to cheer on the SCAD Lacrosse teams this season.
Why You Should Come
Although untraditional for an art school, sports are a great way to participate in the SCAD community and support your fellow students. “SCAD athletes dedicate themselves to excellence both on the field and in the classroom, often without the recognition they deserve,” Women’s Lacrosse Captain Annise Berkley says. “Students should take the time to attend games to understand the strength, discipline and heart these athletes bring to every aspect of their lives.” If you’re looking for inspiration, community and a great game, put on your SCAD gear and go cheer on your Bees!
Men’s vs. Women’s Lacrosse
Unlike most sports, men’s and women’s lacrosse have very different rules. There are even different boundaries on the field painted for each team. In men’s lacrosse, you can expect to see more physicality between players such as slashing of sticks and man to man contact. The women’s game has stricter rules, making the game more about tactical approaches to score points.
Getting to the Game
The SCAD Athletics complex is right over the bridge in Hardeeville, SC. The drive is about 10 minutes from downtown. If you rely on SCAD transportation, check the SCAD Athletics social medias to see what games have buses running. When transportation is provided, the information about timing is communicated on a game-to-game basis.
Start of Game
Both lacrosse teams begin the game with two players of either team head-to-head in the center of the field. In men’s lacrosse, this is called the faceoff, in women’s the draw control. On the referee’s whistle, both players attempt to gain position of the ball by picking it up themselves or sending it towards one of their teammates. At a men’s game, watch out for number 8, Lucas Martinez, SCAD record holder of most faceoff appearances at 160 in 2024. On the women’s team, Annise Berkley, number 3, is a force to be reckoned with when on the draw, with 113 in 2024.
Turnovers
If SCAD doesn’t gain possession at first, don’t worry. As the team in possession of the ball makes their way to the goal, opposing players try to cause turnovers. The goal of a caused turnover is to take possession of the ball, allowing that team to become the offensive players. At a women’s game, watch out for number 21, Emma Roch, one of the team’s captains. On the men’s team, sophomore David Nebus, number 22, caused 18 turnovers in his freshman season, already putting him in the team record book.
Fouls and Penalties
Throughout the game, players may commit fouls that result in penalties. Penalties are signaled by the referee depending on the severity of the foul committed. The treatment of fouls and penalties is one of the most contrasting aspects between men’s and women’s lacrosse.
In men’s lacrosse, common penalties include slashing, cross-checking and unnecessary roughness. Players who commit penalties must leave the field to sit or kneel in the penalty box assigned for thirty seconds to three minutes. During this time, they may not be substituted for another player, so their team must play man-down for the extent of the penalty.
In the women’s game, blocking, cross-check and illegal use of stick are fouls you might see called. Women can receive green or yellow cards depending on the infraction. If a foul is called within the arc, a circular line painted by the goal, a Free Position may be awarded. This is an opportunity where the field is reset to the scoring player’s advantage and that player can run, pass or shoot the ball.
Scoring
When an offensive team successfully has control of the ball, they approach the goal in attempt to score. The goalie and defensive players are there to try and cause turnovers. If a player makes a shot on goal and the goalie saves it, the ball is now in possession of their team. At a women’s game, you’ll see saves made by goalie Lorna Fowles, wearing number 1, who is starting the 2025 season with 254 career saves. Luke Lamendola, number 12, is entering the season with 133 career saves. You might also see women’s number 19, Chloe Zundel or men’s number 55, Noah Moreland, guarding the goal this season. If a goalie does not successfully save a shot, the scoring team receives a point. During their season openers on Feb. 1, both teams had stand-out athletes in scoring. McKinsey Brown, number 30, led the women’s team with 7 goals against the reigning national champions, Reinhardt University. On the men’s number 45, Mason Hickman, scored 5 goals against Georgia Southern.
There’s no better way to support the lacrosse teams than by going to their home games at the SCAD Athletics Complex, and with this guide, you’ll know exactly what’s going on! For their full schedule, check the SCAD Athletics website or follow the teams on their social media accounts.
