Marian Lacrosse Returns to the CHSL Bishop Division Championship

After another impressive postseason performance, Marian lacrosse is once again headed to the Catholic High School League championship game, where the Mustangs will face St. Ursula Academy on May 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Lawrence Technological University. For head coach Lou Conroy, the semifinal victory was defined by one thing above all else: complete team play.

“The key factor for our win was the team working together,” Conroy said. “The ball movement, effort, and all-around team support was great. The girls delivered a great performance.”

As the game progressed, Marian began to take control by consistently winning draws and quickly pushing the ball down the field, something Conroy identified as the turning point of the semifinal matchup. Despite the pressure that naturally comes with a semifinal environment, Marian looked poised and experienced throughout the game, something Conroy credited to the veteran leadership on the roster.

“This was the fourth semifinal for several players; that veteran experience was a huge factor,” he said. “They stayed relaxed and stuck to our game plan.” While only a few small adjustments were made during the game, Conroy said the biggest takeaway was how confidently the team played together in such a high-stakes moment. “The confidence they had moving the ball down the field was so impressive,” he said. “It was some of the best lacrosse I have seen in years.”

Now, with a championship opportunity ahead, Marian’s attention has fully shifted toward Saturday’s matchup with a talented St. Ursula squad. The focus this week has remained centered on the identity the team has built all season — unity.

“Our focus is unity,” Conroy said. “We don't rely on individual stars; we rely on 12 players moving as one toward the goal we set back in the fall.” That unity will be critical against a St. Ursula team Conroy described as both talented and intelligent. “St. Ursula is highly talented with impressive speed and lacrosse IQ,” he said. “They have players who can change a game, so we have to stay disciplined.”

As the team prepares for another championship game, Marian’s coaching staff has continued emphasizing growth, connection, and maintaining focus throughout the week. Along with practices centered around improvement, the team has also spent time together away from the field through team meals and conversations about their shared goals.

The message to the players has remained simple: continue to work together, play your game, and enjoy the ride. For Conroy, winning the championship will require complete buy-in from everyone in the program. “It’s about all 25 players on the roster being locked into the same mission: bringing that CHSL Championship trophy back to Marian,” he said.

That mindset has become the defining characteristic of this Marian group throughout the postseason. Conroy has consistently referred to the team as “gritty,” a label that originated after a comeback victory earlier this season against Grosse Pointe South.

“Our identity is gritty,” Conroy said. “This group never loses focus and never gives up, regardless of the score. We have deep talent, and everyone contributes.”

Rather than relying on one standout player, Marian has built its success around depth, trust, and collective effort. Leadership has also played a major role during the playoff run, with the team’s captains and upperclassmen helping guide the roster through another deep postseason push. “Our captains and upperclassmen have been incredible guides,” Conroy said. “Having been there before, they understand that a championship requires every person on the roster to contribute. Their composure is contagious.”

Beyond this season alone, Conroy believes this playoff run reflects the continued growth and consistency of the Marian lacrosse program as a whole. “This run confirms Marian has transitioned from a competitive program to one of the strongest in the state,” he said. “Reaching our fourth consecutive CHSL Final proves that the system works and we continue to be successful developing across different graduating classes.”

Now, Marian has one more opportunity in front of it — a chance to bring home another CHSL championship and continue building on one of the strongest stretches in program history.