As obvious this statement seems, the loss of A.J. Witherell to graduation will impact Washington and Lee. Head coach Gene McCabe knows it, followers of Division III men’s lacrosse know it and just about every ODAC team knows it — and is thankful for it.

Witherell was a three-time All-American and ODAC Player of the Year. He holds the Generals’ records for career goals (191) and points (317), and he’s second in program history in assists (126).

But McCabe said there’s more to Washington and Lee’s puzzle in 2020.

“He was the kind of player who made the people around him better,” McCabe said, “but I just think there’s something that gets lost in all this.”

That “something” is serious turnover on the defensive end, as led by Paul Callahan, John Broderick and Drew Barnard. There’s even defensive midfielder Walker Brown who’s graduated, and it’s shown during the Generals’ first three games.

They allowed a combined 30 goals in losses against York and Denison (both top-10 teams), only to rebound with a 23-3 win over Washington College, a program that’s hovered around .500 the last five years. So, what could be a salve as the first-choice unit gets sorted and caught up to speed? Chemistry and confidence, McCabe quickly answered.

“How hard they’re working to gel as a group and build that chemistry, so much of great team defense depends on that,” McCabe said. “You need that harmony with each other, so that’s what we’re focusing on. They’re in situations to learn and grow together, and I’m really impressed right now as a whole.”

It’s been a case of trial-by-fire for the inexperienced defensemen, with Max Sadlowski the elder statesman, even as a first-year starter. They’ve even turned senior Garrett Cannon from an offensive to defensive role in midfield. Again, they’re a work in progress.

“We’re getting there but not full-strength there yet,” McCabe said.

As for the Generals’ offense? Witherell’s brother, Taylor, is leading the way on attack, as is returning All-American midfielder Hudson Hamill. The likes of Stuart Greenspon and Ben Mulholland provide quality as well, and there’s a stellar faceoff specialist in Jack Hodgson. He already holds the school record for career faceoff wins, and he’s a two-time All-American and three-time first team All-ODAC selection.

“We miss A.J., certainly, but we’re also carrying on his legacy in a pretty proud way,” McCabe said.

Despite all the new faces, standards haven’t changed for Washington and Lee. The Generals are defending an ODAC title, have made two straight NCAA tournaments and have recorded a winning season every year since 2007.

They’re expected to compete for the ODAC title alongside Lynchburg, Hampden-Sydney and Roanoke. All four programs call Virginia home. The Generals just won’t have a game-changer like A.J. Witherell anymore, and the defense is coming along.

“Honestly, it’s more fun than anything else,” McCabe said of this year’s challenge. “Every season has its own journey, and this is already a great group of young men who work hard and care about each other and want to get better. They’re hungry and dedicated; they want to improve.

“You think about why you get into coaching and, yeah, you want to have success and win games, but seeing that growth process unfold, that’s what’s satisfying and fun.”