Flames top MCLA Division I Coaches Poll before next weekend’s ALC Tournament

Luke Branham Liberty men's lacrosse vs. JMU

Flames junior attack Luke Branham scored four goals and distributed three assists against JMU on Friday night at the Liberty Lacrosse Fields. (Photo by Ethan Smith)

Flames top MCLA Division I Coaches Poll before next weekend’s ALC Tournament

4/16/2025 6:45:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

Liberty rides a 13-game winning streak into next Saturday's ALC semifinal matchup against the winner of a quarterfinal between Virginia Tech and Clemson.

Men's lacrosse No. 1 ranked team in MCLA

For the second time in program history, Liberty University's men's lacrosse team is the No. 1 team in this week's MCLA Division I Coaches Poll, after dominating ALC North Region rivals JMU on Friday and West Virginia on Sunday.

The Flames previously rose to No. 1 in March 2022 before being upset by No. 4 ALC rival Clemson the following Friday and again in the semifinal round of the ALC Tournament a month later.

"It (is) great affirmation for all of the hard work these guys have put in," Liberty Head Coach Kyle McQuillan said. "Obviously, we … want to retain it a little longer than last time."

McQuillan and his staff are gearing the Flames up for next weekend's ALC Tournament semifinals at Lynchburg's City Stadium.

As the top seed out of the ALC North Region, Liberty receives a first-round bye and will face the winner of Friday's quarterfinal between ALC South No. 2 seed Virginia Tech and No. 3 seed Clemson in the April 26 ALC semifinal at Lynchburg's City Stadium. The Hokies are only team to defeat Liberty this season in a season-opening setback at the Liberty Lacrosse Fields.

The Flames (13-1) have won 13 in a row since then, including triumphs over No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Georgia Tech, No. 7 Northeastern, and No. 12 Tennessee, which defeated Virginia Tech this past Friday, 8-4, to clinch the top seed in the ALC South Region and the other first-round bye in the tournament.

Last season, Liberty ousted the Hokies in the semifinals and Volunteers in the championship game to capture its second ALC Tournament title in the four seasons since it was founded.

"Nobody cares that we were No. 1 at some point in the regular season. All that matters is who is No. 1 at the end of the season. If we want a No. 1 seed for the national tournament, (defending the ALC Championship would put) us in the driver's seat."

Liberty received 23 of 26 first-place votes in this week's ranking after reigning MCLA Division I national champion BYU, which had occupied the No. 1 spot ever since, was upset by Colorado, which moved up four spots to No. 10.

By Ted Allen/Staff Writer