Orange Lutheran boys lacrosse has returned to the field and is ready to set new program records. After exiting the playoffs earlier than expected last year, the Lancers are healthier and stronger, with their focus set on a deep postseason run.
 
The varsity squad will be led by senior midfielder Jake Tieskoetter. The Anderson University commit passed his 100 career goal milestone last season and will continue to be an offensive threat. On defense, the Lancers will be led by senior and four-year varsity player Justin Zoch.
 
Across the roster, which includes 13 seniors, OLu boys lacrosse head coach John Padama sees a level of camaraderie that will be instrumental in driving the team's success this season.
 
"When we score a goal, all six offensive guys are huddling together giving props and talking about what happened," says Padama. "Same thing defensively. If a goal goes in, they're keeping the morale up, keeping the energy up, addressing the mistakes and coming back stronger on the next one."
 
Last month, OLu made program history with their first tournament win, taking the title in the Varsity Bronze division of the AirStation Shootout held at the Great Park in Irvine. The Lancers went 5-1 on the weekend, defeating a La Jolla team in the championship game, 4-3. It was an ideal start to the season for the Class of 2025.
 
"They just came out firing all cylinders," says Padama. "This senior class, since their freshman year, has been achieving first, after first, after first. I couldn't see a better way (for them) to start this final chapter of their careers, and the final chapter of a very important section of OLu lacrosse, than to go out and get a tournament win."
 
The Lancers will start their season February 12 on the road at Linfield Christian. Nonleague matchups that Padama and the players are looking forward to include home contests against Newport Harbor (February 18) and El Dorado (March 6). Trinity League matches begin April 2 when OLu travels to St. John Bosco.
 
Having steadily improved each year since he joined the program four years ago, Padama is confident that more wins against Trinity League opponents and greater playoff success are within reach this season.
 
"I'm really impressed how every year this team has managed to get better, to come closer together and for the culture to improve," says Padama. "They're just ready to set milestones. That's what's really special about them. They'll go set great goals for themselves, and then they go and achieve them, and they're just hungry for what's next. They keep setting those next milestones and keep pushing themselves further."