Illini Men’s Lacrosse traveled up to Carthage College for the Lakefront Fall Classic, putting up 8 goals against Milwaukee School of Engineering (NCAA D3) and 5 goals against Carthage (NCAA D3), both in early ending games due to lightening.

In the first game against MSOE, the Orange struck first, with rookie midfielder James Hollowell dodging from the wing and finishing top shelf.
Lightening delays affected both games.

Mike Song has been named head coach of the Fighting Illini Men’s Lacrosse team. As head coach at Westcliff (NAIA/MCLA), Coach Song led their program to a 14-1 overall record, positioning it for Southwestern Lacrosse Conference Division II playoff contention in 2025. Under his leadership, the Warriors scored 195 goals to 77 allowed, averaging 14-6 per game. The team’s RPI ranking in MCLA DII was 23rd in the nation in 2024. As head coach at Westside High School (’19 THSLL Coach of the Year), Coach Song converted that program from under three wins per season to a Houston Independent School District Championship ’22, a THSLL Class D South City Championship ’22, and a State Championship ’22 appearance.

The Fighting Illini Men’s Lacrosse team entered its postseason play against Purdue in the first round of the Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference Championship, resulting in an overtime loss 11-12. The regular season matchup was another loss 9-12. “We were ready to win as we took the time to better prepare for their defense and offense by running mocks during practice,” says junior captain Ashton Moore (SSDM). After the first half, the Fighting Illini was down 8-4, and then rallied a comeback to tie the game with under a minute left. “Our offense just barely clinched a goal to send us into overtime,” comments Moore. The Boilermakers finished with an outside shot.