Okayama University Lacrosse Team Claims Victory
In an exhilarating finale on October 25, 2025, the Okayama University men’s lacrosse team triumphed over Tokushima University at the Hiroshima Wide Area Park's second athletic field, clinching the Shikoku Championship for the second consecutive year. This victory not only marks an impressive achievement for the team but also secures their place in the national tournament.
The competition this year was fierce, with nine teams battling for supremacy, including top contenders such as Ehime University, Kagawa University, and Hiroshima University, among others. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as athletes displayed their skills and determination on the field.
During the closing ceremony, several outstanding players were recognized for their contributions. Matsumoto Sho, a third-year engineering student, earned the MVP award, while the top scorer title also went to him. Furthermore, defensive players Watanabe Kazuki from the Education Faculty and Matsuda Hiroyuki from the Faculty of Economics were named to the Best 11.
Additionally, Yamashita Hiroki received the Best Face-Off award, and a special 'Most Improved Player' award was granted to Matsumoto based on audience votes. Referee Hashimoto Riko from the Law Faculty was honored with the Best Zebra award for her significant contributions to fair play.
Captains and leaders from the team expressed their eagerness and commitment to excel in the national competition. Matsuda voiced, "This match was crucial for our goal of reaching the top four nationally. I am beyond thrilled that we were able to secure the win. We will work hard as a team to defeat the representatives from Kansai in the national tournament."
Watanabe added, "I believed in our ability to take the Shikoku championship, so winning this match has greatly relieved me. As we go to the national stage, we will pour everything we have into each game. We appreciate your continued support!"
Fujita Naoshi remarked on the journey, stating, "I faced many setbacks, but winning the Shikoku title reassures me that our efforts were not in vain. This next stage is crucial for achieving our team goal of a national victory."
Lastly, Nagano noted, "We have worked hard with our teammates to achieve the ‘full university victory’ goal, and we finally feel we are on the starting line. We will face the national stage as a unified team and achieve our goals together!"
As the team prepares for the national championship, support from the Okayama University community remains vital. Let’s rally behind these dedicated athletes as they embark on their journey toward national glory!
Continued Support Encouraged
The Okayama University men's lacrosse team is gearing up for even greater achievements. Their determination and hard work exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication. Stay tuned for more updates and cheer for our champions!
Additional Information
For inquiries and further information about the Okayama University men’s lacrosse team, please check out their official page:
Okayama University Lacrosse Club