Cadyn Eismann (4) shoots the ball during a practice April 20 at Mahlik-Thompson Stadium. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
The season has felt close to perfect for the Slippery Rock lacrosse team. Players and coaches say the success goes far beyond wins and losses.
Built on faith, friendship and trust, the team has created a bond that has carried it through pressure-packed moments and helped fuel one of the program’s strongest seasons. From team-building activities to pregame prayers and constant support for one another, the Rockets have developed a culture that players describe as more like family than teammates.
That closeness has shown on the field. Players communicate instinctively, celebrate each other’s successes and rally together during adversity. The team’s chemistry has become one of its biggest strengths, allowing the Rockets to stay composed and connected throughout the season.
Religion and faith also have played an important role for many players. Team members often lean on each other spiritually, using prayer and encouragement to stay grounded and focused. Players said the shared support system has helped strengthen relationships and create an atmosphere built on accountability and positivity.
Off the field, the team has emphasized bonding experiences through dinners, outings and team-building events that have helped deepen friendships. Those moments away from competition have translated into greater trust during games, where players know the teammates beside them fully support them.
The combination of talent, chemistry and belief in one another has helped make the season feel “practically perfect.” While the Rockets still have goals left to accomplish, the foundation they have built together may be what players remember most long after the season ends.
Sydney Ulmer, left, and Gemma Sciarroni laugh during a team dinner May 2, in the Heights Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Lily Ventresca lines up a pool shot during a team dinner May 2, in the Heights Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Sydney Ulmer, left, and Gemma Sciarroni laugh with teammates during a team dinner May 2 in the Heights Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Erin Melcher talks to family members during a team dinner May 2 in the Heights Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Slippery Rock lacrosse players from left, Ella Koslowski, Cadyn Eismann and Ava Drath, talk May 8 at Starbucks in the Smith Student Center about their upcoming game. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
The Slippery Rock University Lacrosse team went undefeated in the 2026 regular season. The team lost its only game this season in round two of the NCAA tournament. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Slippery Rock lacrosse players from left, Amara Langstaff, Gemma Sciarroni, Paige Jenkins, Shannon Von Kaenel and Violet Freebody run a passing drill at practice April 20 at Mahlik-Thompson Stadium. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Reagan Richeson (14) and McKenzie Murphy (30) laugh together during a practice April 20 at Mahlik-Thompson Stadium. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Slippery Rock lacrosse players from left, Lily Fazio, Grace Rotter, Reagan Richeson, Caitlyn Kelly and Danielle Raymond, participate in SNAPS, a team-building exercise, during practice April 20 at Mahlik-Thompson Stadium. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Slippery Rock lacrosse players participate in a bible study April 21 at the Heights Clubhouse. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
Slippery Rock lacrosse players McKenzie Murphy, left, and Ella Koslowski head to the bus before their game against Seton Hill April 22 at Mahlik-Thompson Stadium. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle
Eddie Clancy
