Heading into one of the biggest games of its season, the Clemson club lacrosse team is looking to end its season on a high note.
The Tigers currently sit at 8-5 (3-2 ALC North) as they prepare for the final game of the season, facing their in-state rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday night.
The team is looking to bounce back following a tough weekend at home. The Tigers lost to both James Madison and Virginia Tech. With that, Clemson will head to the ALC quarterfinals to begin the postseason following the Palmetto State rivalry.
A key contributor to Clemson’s success has been sophomore defenseman Luke Romano, a rookie who’s quickly become a vital part of the team.
“I showed up the first day knowing I wanted to make an impact,” Romano said in an interview with The Tiger. “To quickly gain the trust of my coaches and teammates… it’s been really meaningful.”
After competing his entire life, he played one season for Union College in New York before transferring to Clemson this year.
To Romano, lacrosse has always been more than a game. He’s been playing since he was a little kid and always imagined representing his college as a part of a team. The never-ending learning has always fueled his passion and commitment to the game.
That learning was especially evident after Clemson’s early-season struggles, which saw two losses in their first three games, including a blown fourth-quarter lead to Boston College. The growing pains, however, eventually led to the team’s growth, which is where it is today.
“We all came together,” Romano said. “The chemistry and effort all just accelerated us into the successful run we’ve been on.”
That run has wholly shifted the season’s trajectory. The team went 7-1 throughout February and March after that loss, gaining momentum over the course of the season.
Despite the losses to James Madison and Virginia Tech standing in Clemson’s way, the Tigers are ready to turn the page and move on to South Carolina.
“You can count on them bringing their full efforts and going out ready to compete… there’s no room for laziness or complacency,” Romano said.
At 8-5, Clemson looks to build on the regular reason in the playoffs, where the team is positioned to make the playoffs. With a shot at making it to nationals, one of the echoed goals throughout the season is still alive.
After winning 9-4 against their rival last season at LoConte Field, the Tigers will play South Carolina on Thursday night in the annual matchup. The Tigers aim to “win the state” over the rival Gamecocks once again.
