By: Evan Gates | Guest Contributor
Riley Hastings maneuvers around a defender in the Lynchburg men’s lacrosse team’s 15-11 victory over St. Mary’s (Md.). Photo by Caroline Gerke.
Lynchburg, Va. – Ranked second in Division III with an 8-1 overall record, the University of Lynchburg men’s lacrosse team has relied on its veteran starting lineup to post the program’s best start since the 2013 season.
Including opponents who received votes outside the national poll, the Hornets have secured six consecutive victories over ranked teams. In his 30th season, Head Coach Steve Koudelka highlights his senior class as the key difference from previous seasons.
“We’re fortunate that a lot of our seniors play a lot,” Koudelka said. “We also gain the ability to have experience on the field in big moments during big games, which we definitely did not have last year.”
Despite the nearly flawless start, with the Hornets suffering their only loss against No. 9 Gettysburg by two goals, Coach Koudelka has conducted business as usual.
“We haven’t really talked about where we’re ranked or the perception out there,” Koudelka said. “We just continually talk about where we want to go, and the guys know that the ultimate goal is a conference championship followed by a national championship.”
Experienced and Ambitious
The Hornets celebrate after a goal on Shellenberger Field. Photo by Caroline Gerke.
While the team’s mission remains largely unchanged, the seniors entered the season focusing on potential improvements to achieve greater success.
“We met with the seniors right at the end of last year, and that group had some very specific, lofty goals,” Koudelka said. “They also self-admitted that some things needed to change, and they wanted to drive it to a higher level.”
To begin 2026, senior attacker Riley Hastings has spearheaded the team’s offensive efforts with 34 goals and 18 assists, which are both on pace for career highs. In the midst of a historic season, however, Hastings is focusing on enjoying the experience.
“Being an old guy, there’s more pressure, but we’re used to it,” Hastings said. “As a senior, the anxiety part is gone, so it’s more about the fun than anything else.”
In the eyes of his coach, Hastings’ consistent role as a four-year starter has built confidence, but also created more scouting opportunities for opponents.
“The spotlight is on him more often than not because people know him,” Koudelka said. “A lot of times, he doesn’t get the numbers, but he does a lot of other things that allow other teammates to get them.”
While seven of the 10 members of the team’s typical lineup are seniors, contributions from underclassmen have added depth to the attack. For sophomore attackers Will and Mark Rubley, twin brothers who have combined for 27 goals and 10 assists, the 2026 season has showcased major progression.
“This game always rewards the people who love it and put the time into it,” Koudelka said. “Will and his twin brother Mark will go sweep the locker room and pick up the trash. In those moments, I was really happy for them.”
On the Road Again
Coach Koudelka shouts instructions from the sideline. Photo by Caroline Gerke.
As the team seeks strong nonconference opponents to bolster its resume, the Hornets have logged significant road-game mileage. Lynchburg is currently enduring a 26-day stretch with just one game played at home.
Following early-season trips to Misenheimer, N.C., Salisbury, Md., and Stevenson, Md., Lynchburg is aiming to reach new heights.
“You learn over time how to win those big games, and in the past, we’ve been close but haven’t jumped over the hump,” Hastings said. “It’s about learning how to finish.”
The Hornets are triumphing in tight games, at one point winning three consecutive contests by three goals or fewer. During extended road trips, depth plays a major role.
“Earlier in my career, we’ve had really good teams, but there was a drop off for our second and third line midfielders,” Hastings said. “In the fourth quarter this year, none of those guys are tired, and you run teams into the ground.”
Travel also allows the coaching staff to create new memories for the players. En route to the Callum Robinson Mustang Classic, one of the premier Division III tournaments featuring 10 established programs, the team made time for additional stops.
“The night before we went up on Thursday, we went to the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame,” Koudelka said. “We had the chance to have a great dinner, and some alumni joined us as well. Sometimes, you don’t recognize how important those moments are, so we try to take full advantage of them.”
Down Goes Number Two (Twice)
Riley Frankel takes a faceoff against Christopher Newport. Photo by Caroline Gerke.
As the team looks forward to conference play, its postseason standing is greatly improved by wins over Christopher Newport and Salisbury. With both teams ranked second in Division III at the time, the matchups served as a barometer for progression.
“CNU and Salisbury were games we had circled on the schedule,” Hastings said. “We’ve worked for it, and the maturity from all the time we’ve spent on the field is the reason those games go our way.”
Against Christopher Newport, Hastings posted a program-record 13 points with eight goals and five assists to lead the Hornets to a 22-21 overtime victory. While the win required a committee effort, Coach Koudelka applauded Hastings’ historic performance.
“Against CNU, it just happened to be the culminating day of a lot of things coming together,” Koudelka said. “When we needed one of our best players to have his best game, he [Hastings] did. That’s the sign of an awesome player.”
The team’s results against the nation’s best opponents also serve as preparation for the NCAA Tournament, as mentioned by senior defender Kylar Mahoney in the team’s preseason presser.
“In the Mustang Classic, we play back-to-back games,” Mahoney said. “When we get into May, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing; we’ll play a Saturday game and a Sunday game. Not only are we playing hard teams, but we’re getting used to that schedule.”
In addition, these pivotal matchups establish energy for the upcoming games.
“We can’t start slow,” Mahoney said. “Last year, it wasn’t until the end of the year that we really got to know each other. I think we’re far ahead this year.”
With the program’s nonconference slate in the rearview and an upcoming four-game home stretch, the seniors remain adamant about keeping their foot on the gas pedal.
“At the end of our last film session, the last thing I wrote on my page was ‘hungry’ and I circled it four times,” Hastings said. “It’s about putting your nose down and continuing to be the hungriest team on the field.”
To view the Lynchburg men’s lacrosse schedule, click here.
