The Auburn Men's Lacrosse club dropped its first game of the season against the Florida State Seminoles 19-6 in Tallahassee last Saturday.
"We didn't know what to expect going into the game," said head coach Stephen Stock. "I was just hoping we would play hard and execute. We played hard, but we didn't execute as well as we wanted. Credit Florida State, they're a really, really good team. It's a tough first game to have. We're a young team."
Andrew Lumbard, senior attackman, said the first game was an overall positive experience, especially considering the club only returned two starters from last year.
"Having Florida State first, which will be the best team we play all year, I think we've seen what our strengths and weaknesses are and what we need to improve on," Lumbard said.
Stock said Auburn is young and untested, but has the potential.
"I am hoping we will play better," Stock said. "The kids weren't beaten. They seemed like they were ready to take on the next challenge, and that's important. I'm hopeful against Florida that we'll play better and execute better."
Auburn travels to Orlando this weekend to participate in "Face Off for a Cause."
The tournament will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission statement, according to the project's Web site, is to raise awareness and assist severely injured service men and women.
"Every team that's in the event has a wounded warrior that was overseas and came back and that is representing our team," said junior midfielder Anthony Generotti. "We donated a helmet and jersey and stuff. The whole team is going to sign it and I believe it's going to be auctionedoffandthatisgoing to go toward the Wounded Warrior Project."
Generotti said he is looking forward to playing Florida.
"No one was really sure how we were going to react in the first game," Generotti said. "A lot of our players have never played before. I really feel like we have a chance to definitely go to playoffs with the talent that we have and the hustle we have."
Lumbard, a 4-year Marine Corps veteran, said the club is trying to sell as many tickets as possible for the Wounded Warrior Project.
He said the event is hoping to draw close to 10,000 fans.
"It's just trying to get everyone out in the Orlando area to come promote the game of lacrosse and the all the proceeds go to a good cause," Lumbard said.
Stock said the club's goal is to win the SELC tournament.
"The thing is we've got to stay on the path and keep in mind what our goals are long-term; it'll be fine," Stock said. "I don't care about the win and loss record as long as we're hustling and doing what we need to do. We can hold our heads high and be proud of what we've done."
Auburn will play Florida 5 p.m. Saturday and the University of Central Florida Sunday at noon.
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