GABRIEL ROMERO / CONTRIBUTOR

The  USD  men’s  club  lacrosse team has been making waves of  progress  this  semester’s spring  season. Competing in the Southern Lacrosse Conference (SLC) in Division II, the Toreros record has improved this season compared to last season’s record of 0-10, as USD men’s club lacrosse is currently 4-3. During the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association spring 2026 season, USD currently finds  itself in a tough conference that includes three ranked teams, with the Toreros checking in at No. 17. Other teams ranked in the conference include UC San Diego at No. 11 and Cal State San Marcos at No. 2. 

Toreros lost by one in a game this past weekend. Photo courtesy of @usdmlax/Instagram

USD men’s club lacrosse opened the season with a four game win streak, already surpassing last year’s spring season in which the Toreros had no wins. In recent play, the Toreros suffered narrow losses against tougher opposition, falling 12-13 to Division I Michigan  State  and  6-7  to   cross-town rivals No. 11 UC San Diego, before losing against another ranked team in California. 

Despite the recent stretch of losses, members of the USD men’s club lacrosse team remain upbeat about their play so far this season. 

USD senior and co-captain Ethan Petrie spoke on the team’s newfound ambitions and goals during the more  promising 2026 campaign.

“Our  goal  is  to make the SLC playoffs and then, through that, hopefully make the national playoffs,” Petrie said. “And to have a healthy season for everyone, we’re working on making the national tournament, just be collective as a group.”

Reflecting on the losses and how the team can improve, Petrie remained eager for the weeks ahead.

“We usually come out kind of slow and it affects the whole game,” Petrie said. “You know, we’ve had games where we’ve won, but we still haven’t put together that full 60 minutes… We’re usually climbing back in the games and we’re able to come back. If we’re able to play that first three minutes really, really well and we won’t need to come back, we’ll already be up.”

With the vast variety of sports across all of Southern California, particularly in San Diego, lacrosse is not necessarily one of the more well-known sports. USD senior and co-captain Patrick Oberton embraces the role of captain while playing the game he has loved since childhood.

“I think I bring leadership and experience to the field,” Oberton said. “I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’ve been playing since I was six and not everyone on the team can say the same. Last season  we had a really bad season, so every week we’re still in contention to end our season on the national stage. I just know that whatever last game we play is, like, I’m just gonna be so sad because I won’t be able to see those guys. I’ve been playing in this environment ever since first grade and this will be my last time playing.”

One of the ways the team has improved significantly is through the incoming class that has arrived at USD. 

USD first-year and defender Samson Callas feels that coming from out of state to California to play lacrosse has been a unique experience.

“I feel there’s a bigger skill ceiling, like there are some guys that  are really incredible,” Callas said. “But at the same time, everyone is coming from different high schools. And I feel it’s a unique way to create our offense as a team. But the skill and athleticism of each athlete is definitely elevated from  what  it  was in high school.”

While competing in a tough conference, Callas and others from the men’s club lacrosse team believe that the Toreros can be an enjoyable watch for students around campus.

“Love the team, the team chemistry has been great, morale has been really good and we didn’t win a game last year, so to come out with a 4-0 start was huge,” Callas said. “Our games are very fast paced, you wouldn’t get bored, and there are always lots of action and high-scoring games. We’re a very high energy team and I know we’re fun to watch since we’re really physical.”

With playoff aspirations on the line, a roster fueled by fresh faces and driven by seniors enjoying their final season, the USD men’s club lacrosse team  is excited to see what comes next.

On Saturday afternoon March 14,  the Toreros played California State University San Marcos at Manchester Field. Photo courtesy of @usdmlax/Instagram