The Long Beach State men’s club lacrosse team made history at the end of April, rallying from an early deficit to capture the SLC Division 3 championship to secure the program’s first title.
After falling behind 5-2 in the opening quarter against Santa Barbara City College, the Beach responded to pick up an 11-10 victory.
“You can tell a lot from the guys’ faces during the game,” Long Beach State coach James Otto said. “Nobody was fazed. For this being the first title game in program history, they were calm, locked in and understood the mission.”
That mindset showed quickly. Long Beach State answered with a dominant run, scoring four unanswered goals to erase the first-quarter deficit and shift momentum. By halftime, the Beach had taken control, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive play.
Enrique Rangel led the charge with four goals, including a stretch where he ignited a three-goal burst that helped flip the game. Midfielders Kyle Estefania and Nathaniel Amidon combined for seven goals and two assists.
“We preach that this is a team sport,” Otto said. “Everyone contributed. When you have that kind of buy-in, it becomes a very dangerous thing.”
Long Beach State extended its lead to 11-7 in the second half, but SBCC refused to go quietly. A late 3-0 run cut the margin to 11-10, putting pressure on the Beach in the final minutes.
That’s when senior goalie Bryce Cruikshank delivered the defining moments of the game. The MVP recorded multiple key saves down the stretch, including a game-sealing stop in the final seconds to preserve the victory.
“Timely saves, that’s what it came down to,” Otto said. “Bryce stepped up when we needed him most, and the defense in front of him was outstanding all weekend.”
Defenders Andrew Reyes and Collin Malmquist anchored the back line, while long-stick midfielders Sean Costello and Cole Cline played a crucial role in transition and containment. Otto credited the entire defensive unit for maintaining composure under pressure.
The championship caps a season that tested the Beach early. Injuries and a demanding schedule – iincluding matchups against top MCLA competition – forced the team to develop resilience. Otto believes those challenges ultimately shaped a championship group.
“When you’re a championship team, you’re going to face adversity,” Otto said. “What separates you is how you respond. These guys battled through everything.”
The victory also represented a milestone for the growth of lacrosse in the Long Beach area. As the sport continues to expand at the high school level, Otto hopes this achievement will further elevate its presence in the community.
“This isn’t just big for our program,” Otto said. “It’s big for the city of Long Beach. It shows what’s possible and helps continue growing the game here.”
