LAX Remains Unbeaten with Drubbing of Cal Baptist Cavalry

By Brandon Petersen

Westcliff men's lacrosse head coach Michael Song calls 2023 a building and recruiting year.

It's an abbreviated, five-game campaign, the third of which went down Friday night at University High in Irvine, where the Warriors shellacked California Cavalry of Cal Baptist, 22-6. 

The Warriors have previously taken down Cal Poly Humboldt, 16-2, and San Jose State, 7-6. 

It's not easy being a brand new lacrosse program in the Southland, there simply aren't that many college teams to play west of the Mississippi.

Nonetheless, Westcliff is poised for a prosperous future.

The Warriors' roster is comprised entirely of freshmen and sophomores, save for one, junior mid Eric Naslund. 

And like other ground-breaking programs at Westcliff —  namely, water polo and surf — lacrosse is forging its own way onto the college landscape. 

Not so surprisingly these days around Irvine, the program in its fledgling form is already good, and already knocking down the door to greatness. 

"We have a uniquely positive and effective culture on this team, which I love," Song said. "With players from all over the world, and the U.S., with different backgrounds and such diversity, we have developed a core culture of respect and camaraderie."

That culture was on full display Friday night. 

The Warriors played with fire, and celebrated each other with equal passion. 

Goal after goal after goal went in, and with every score, Westcliff deposited delirious decibels into the frigid night air, matched in spirit by a sizable and rowdy crowd on hand that made one thing clear — it loved its Westcliff Lacrosse. 

And why not?

The Warriors are a blast to watch. 

Joel Subahwon took control of the action early, assisting on the Warriors' first two goals, then scoring the next two himself. 

Subahwon was untouchable Friday night, finishing with four goals and seven assists.

"Joel Subahwon won the game ball," Song said. "He made key adjustments from our last game against San Jose State for our offense to execute. 

"And we put up 22 goals."

The Warriors led 11-1 at halftime. 

They led 19-3 at the end of three. 

On the defensive end, Rameish Jones and Naslund stood out. 

"Rameish Jones played the most impressive defense at short stick middle," Song said. "Denying the top side with textbook approaches and never got beat once."

Jones also scored his first college goal when he transitioned to offense, deked the defense left and went right for a long-distance score from 20 yards out.

Naslund, meanwhile, lit up the Warriors' sideline when he made a steal at midfield and went the distance with it, skipping in a beauty from long range.

His teammates mobbed him on the field and the sideline gave him the superstar treatment when he jogged off. 

"I was very impressed with how we executed," Song said. "Our gameplay was based on controlling the game through offensive ball and tempo management.

"Our team just executed."

Hyosang Yoon was a beast, racking up four goals and an assist, and Ashton Davis went nuts as well, turning in four goals and an assist of his own. 

Both Jacob Patterson (one assist) and Mason Mateus scored two goals. 

James Patti had a goal and two assists.

George Ogik, Juan Serna and Malcolm Bell collected one goal each. 

Keeper Julian Avila had four first-half saves.

Keeper Tyrese Findlay had two saves in the second half. 

"We definitely will be this high-powered four our remaining games — as long as we maintain our health," Song said. 

The shortened season will continue April 15th, when the Warriors take on Glendale College. 

Westcliff's head coach says the real question is next year, when the Warriors hope to play a full schedule.

"We have to continue to build out our roster, so that we can have the depth to challenge more competitive teams," Song said. 

If Friday night is any indication, the lacrosse program is in good hands.

Song has already assembled an talented core group of young players who are capable of developing the program into championship caliber. 

"We are all grateful for the opportunity to represent Westcliff University and the entire athletic department," Song said. "It's showing, on the field, and in the classroom.

"I'm excited about our future."