Editor’s Note: Welcome to our NAIA lacrosse season-in-review series. Each day for the next month or so, we will be recapping last year’s NAIA lacrosse season in advance for the 2020 season. Today, we are looking at the defending champion Reinhardt out of the AAC.
2019 Reinhardt University Review
The Eagles were able to solidify their place as the NAIA’s first lacrosse dynasty by winning their third-straight national title. With a 16-1 record and eight wins over top 10 opponents, Reinhardt ended the year on a 16-game winning streak. Along with its national tournament title, the program also had a league leading six All-Americans.
Key Losses
All good things come to an end and such is the case with the incredibly talented senior class at Reinhardt University. Of the nine seniors the program graduated three All-Americans: Jacob Samuels (Defense), Conner Mills (Midfield), and Bennett Jarrett (Attack). At 6-4, Samuels was a lockdown defender that won’t be easily replaced. Mills and Jarrett combined for one-third of the teams goals and 147 total points.
2020 Reinhardt University Outlook
The Eagles return 19 players with at least one national championship under their belt. Key returners include Matt Webb (Junior/Goalie), Gavin Banks (Junior/Attack), and Zane Anderson (Senior/Midfield). With the depth and experience the team returns, the big question is, ‘How can they replace the enormous hole left by graduating defenseman Jacob Samuels?’ Coach Snow has a way of creating a balanced team from top to bottom, and I doubt this year will be any different.
Way Too Early Prediction
It doesn’t take a lacrosse expert to see that Reinhardt is primed to return to the national tournament, but every dynasty ends eventually. Can the Eagles make it four in a row? Anything less than a Final Four appearance and I will be shocked.
Team Info:https://reinhardteagles.com/index.aspx?path=mlax
Team Twitter: @Rhardtlax
