Overcoming Past Challenges

As the 2025 lacrosse season approaches, the Churchville-Chili Boys Lacrosse team is looking to rise from the ashes of a challenging 2024 season. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Yunker, who is entering his second season at the helm, the Saints are eager to improve upon their 3-15 record from the previous year.

Reflecting on the 2024 Season

Last season was marked by growing pains and hard lessons learned, but the team remains determined. Despite losing ten seniors, several of whom earned all-league honors, the Saints have a core group of experienced players who are ready to step up and lead the charge. The departing seniors include key players like Beckham Clancy, a standout goalie who earned All-League 2nd Team honors, and Colin Duncan, who will be continuing his lacrosse career at SUNY Albany after an impressive season with 43 goals.

Glimmers of Hope and Returning Strength

The 2024 season was characterized by a series of tough losses, with the team losing 14 games by more than 5 goals. However, amidst the setbacks, there were glimmers of hope, such as their decisive victories against Gates Chili and Brockport. The Saints' returning players, who combined for 32 goals and 22 assists last season, will be crucial in turning those glimpses of success into a consistent performance. The team will be looking to seniors Matthew Mitchell, William Morgan, and Brayden Hoak who totaled 38 points last year. Also back is junior midfielder Isaac Bailey who led the team ground balls last year with 84 also had 21 takes. 

Building a Resilient Team

Coach Yunker, a Churchville-Chili alum himself, understands the importance of building a resilient and cohesive team. With nine juniors and two sophomores returning, the focus will be on leveraging their experience and fostering a sense of unity and determination. The team's goal for this season is to improve their average goals per game, which stood at 6.2 last year, and to tighten up their defense, which conceded an average of 12.3 goals per game.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As the Saints prepare for the new season, they are motivated by the lessons of the past and the promise of the future. With a fresh start and renewed energy, Churchville-Chili is ready to take on the challenges ahead and strive for a successful 2025 season. The team's resilience, combined with the leadership of Coach Yunker, sets the stage for what could be a remarkable turnaround.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.