Adam Drexel
On February 22, the Merrimack College men’s lacrosse team defeated the University of Michigan Wolverine’s for its first Division I victory in program history. The victory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was led by senior attack, Charlie Bertrand, who recorded 5 goals en route to a 14-12 victory.
Merrimack Men’s Lacrosse embarked on their road trip to Michigan following three consecutive losses against Holy Cross, Dartmouth, and Fairfield.
When asked about the victory, Bertrand said, “We took it to a Michigan team that didn’t expect us to come out and play as hard as we did.”
Bertrand, a senior Chemical Engineering major from Baldwinsville, NY, has been nothing short of an offensive threat during his time at Merrimack. During his time, he, as well as other members of the senior class have appeared in 3 consecutive national championships, capturing back to back Division II championship titles in 2018 and 2019.
As a leader on the team, Bertrand understands the target on their back as defending national champions and an emerging force in Division 1. Bertrand understands that there are no weak teams in Division I and that every game will be a battle.
Bertrand was the only Division II Lacrosse player to be named as a potential first overall draft pick in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and was a preseason candidate to capture the Tewaaraton Award. This is the most prestigious award in NCAA lacrosse.
After graduation in May, Bertrand hopes to keep playing lacrosse by making a professional roster. Bertrand and the Men’s Lacrosse team will return to Duane Stadium on March 7 as they host UMass Lowell at 1:00 p.m.
