Four members of the Lander men's lacrosse team received All-Conference honors from the Peach Belt Conference. Mitchell Festi earned First Team recognition as a defender, while Matt Duarte (attack), Sean Reilly (midfield), and Breton Crewe (face-off specialist) were named to the Second Team. Festi excelled with 26 caused turnovers and 50 ground balls, both ranking second in the conference. Duarte led the Bearcats in scoring with 30 goals and 44 points during his first season. The team is set to participate in the PBC Tournament against Flagler.

By the Numbers
  • Mitchell Festi: 26 caused turnovers, 50 ground balls (2nd most in PBC).
  • Matt Duarte: 30 goals (3rd in PBC), 44 points (4th in PBC).
  • Breton Crewe: 57.6% face-off win rate, 110 face-off wins (3rd in PBC).
Yes, But

While the team's individual accomplishments are noteworthy, they face a tough challenge as they enter the PBC Tournament. The upcoming match against Flagler, the No. 2 seed, could test their cohesiveness as a unit.

State of Play
  • The Bearcats are entering the PBC Tournament with momentum from multiple All-Conference selections.
  • They are set to face a strong Flagler team at 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday.
What's Next

Following the tournament, the team's performance could lead to potential further recognition for players and influence recruiting efforts for future seasons. A win against Flagler may boost their playoff chances.

Bottom Line

The achievements of the All-Conference selections highlight the Bearcats' talent, but success in the tournament will ultimately define their season. A strong performance could pave the way for greater recognition and future opportunities.