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Interview With McDonald

DETROIT -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's lacrosse team is in its third week of practice and after the first two weeks of training, one thing is very clear – there is a lot of talent on this year's squad.

“I feel that we are improving everyday and we are a lot better than we were at this time last year,” said head coach Matt Holtz. “We just need to keep moving forward and make sure that we don't take a step back.”

Another thing that is clear is the role and leadership of the senior class. The seniors – who have been a part of this program from its very first practice - have already set the tone about what they want this year to be about and they know the road to a MAAC championship begins now.

“This is our last opportunity to win the MAAC championship and we are taking advantage of everything we can,” said senior Jason McDonald. “You want to put one more plate on the bar. You want to do one more rep, shoot it a little bit harder and throw a better check. It's all towards the ultimate goal of winning the championship.”

For coach Holtz, seeing the senior class and the rest of the team take the field now is a lot different than the program's first fall practice back in 2008.

“I don't even remember those first couple of practices. At that time, it was a little surreal and a little overwhelming and since then, you get into the flow of the entire year of college lacrosse,” added Holtz.

In the late afternoon after class during the week, the team has strapped on the pads and headed out to the practice field with the mind set to focus and improve every day. The training has continued to be fast and physical as the returners and newcomers continue to build a team identity.

The Titans are coming off a season in which they advanced to the MAAC championship, just one victory short of a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Their 4-2 record in the MAAC tied them for second place, while their six total wins on the season doubled their total from 2010.

“The focus all summer was the way the season ended,” said Holtz. “It left a bad taste in our mouth to get beat up on the last game of the year.”

Detroit will keep on working during the allowable time in the fall as it gets ready for the 2012 season.