Men's Lacrosse 2025 Season Preview

2024 RECAP

The University of Scranton men’s lacrosse team secured its third Landmark Conference championship—and second straight—with a dominant 17-6 victory over Elizabethtown in the 2024 title game.

Kyle Holmes, now a junior, earned Tournament MVP honors after an impressive postseason performance, tallying 15 goals and six ground balls across three games. In the championship matchup, four different Royals recorded multi-goal efforts.

Scranton’s season ended in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament with a 10-3 loss to No. 4 Dickinson.

2024 STANDINGS

  1. Elizabethtown College - 11-7 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
  2. Susquehanna University - 14-4 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
  3. University of Scranton - 14-8 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
  4. Catholic University - 10-9 (5-4 Landmark Conference)
  5. Moravian University - 9-9 (5-4 Landmark Conference)
  6. Drew University - 10-8 (5-4 Landmark Conference)
  7. Goucher College - 9-8 (3-6 Landmark Conference)
  8. Lycoming College - 5-9 (2-7 Landmark Conference)
  9. Wilkes University - 4-12 (1-8 Landmark Conference)
  10. Juniata College - 2-15 (0-9 Landmark Conference)

2024 PLAYOFFS

  • Semifinals:
  • #3 Scranton def #2 Susquehanna: 14-4
  • #1 Elizabethtown def #4 Catholic: 17-8
  • Championship:
  • #3 Scranton def #1 Elizabethtown: 17-6

PREASEASON POLL

The University of Scranton enters the 2025 season as the favorite to retain its Landmark Conference Men's Lacrosse Championship. In the preseason poll, conducted by the league’s 10 head coaches, the Royals topped the rankings with 79 points and seven first-place votes.

Susquehanna follows in second with 68 points, while last season’s runner-up, Elizabethtown, sits in third with 65 points and two first-place votes. Catholic (62 points) and Moravian (49 points) round out the top five.

Drew (40 points), Goucher (36 points), and Lycoming (23 points) slot into sixth, seventh, and eighth place, respectively. Wilkes (18 points) and Juniata (10 points) complete the preseason rankings in ninth and tenth.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Peter Donley (2nd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 10-9 (5-4 Landmark)

Entering his second season at the helm, Peter Donley looks to keep Catholic University in the championship mix after a 5-4 Landmark Conference record and a semifinal appearance in 2024.

The Cardinals will rely on key returners Victor Rosado and Steven Dezelic to power the offense. Rosado, a senior and All-Landmark Second Team attacker, led the team with 42 goals last season. Dezelic, a junior, ranked in the conference’s top 10 in goals per game (2.16) and finished just behind Rosado with 41.

Defensively, Catholic brings back a veteran core in seniors Ryan Macksoud, Mike Tayloe, and Mason Russo, along with junior Brady McMahon. Macksoud, an All-Conference First Team faceoff specialist, holds the program record for faceoff wins (263, 61.9%). Tayloe, an All-Landmark Second Team defender, led the team with 34 caused turnovers and 61 ground balls. Russo added 55 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers, while McMahon, an Honorable Mention All-Conference midfielder, contributed 14 goals, 12 assists, and 14 ground balls.

The Cardinals open the season on Feb. 15 at Messiah before hosting McDaniel on Mar. 1. Landmark Conference play begins Mar. 22 at Lycoming.

DREW UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Dan Leidl (4th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 10-8 (5-4 Landmark)

The Drew University men’s lacrosse team, led by fourth-year head coach Dan Leidl, is primed to contend in the Landmark Conference this season. With a strong mix of experienced returners and fresh talent, the Rangers have their sights set on a deep playoff run.

Despite the departures of key players like GJ Nazziola and Charlie Collins, Drew remains competitive with several key contributors returning. Senior attackman Mike DeMayo is back after posting 25 goals and 25 assists last season, while graduate student midfielder Tommy Larmore remains a key offensive piece, finishing 2024 with 28 goals and seven assists.

Defensively, sophomore goalkeeper Joe Barnish returns after recording a .507 save percentage last season. Graduate student Matt Giordano, an All-Landmark Honorable Mention short-stick midfielder, also returns after helping the Rangers hold eight opponents to 10 goals or fewer while collecting 32 ground balls. Senior Ben Johnson and junior Cole Kirker anchor the backline, bringing experience and leadership to the unit.

The Rangers open their season at home on Feb. 19 against Neumann, with Landmark Conference play beginning on Mar. 22 versus Susquehanna.

ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Kyle McGuire (5th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 11-7 (8-1 Landmark)

Elizabethtown College’s men’s lacrosse team is determined to reclaim the Landmark Conference title in 2025. After another heartbreaking championship loss to Scranton, head coach Kyle McGuire aims to lead the Blue Jays back to the top. Coming off an impressive 8-1 conference record and a first-place regular-season finish, Etown looks to build on last year’s success.

Despite the departures of key contributors, including attackmen Gavin Gismondi, Riley Langen, and Colin Kondracki, as well as midfielders Alex Kilgour and Connor Stewart, the Blue Jays return a strong core. Offensively, sophomore attackman Tristan Coleman (18 goals, 19 assists) and midfielder Reese Levinson (19 goals, six assists) are poised to step up.

Defensively, graduate student Gio Raso, an All-Landmark First Team defender in 2023, anchors the backline. In goal, graduate student Brayden Franey returns after earning All-Landmark Second Team honors last season, finishing with a .559 save percentage.

Elizabethtown opens the season with a Landmark Conference matchup at Wilkes on Feb. 15 before hosting Stockton in its home opener on March 12.

GOUCHER COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Kyle Hannan (3rd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 9-8 (3-6 Landmark)

Goucher College’s men’s lacrosse team looks to build on its recent success and push toward playoff contention in 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Kyle Hannan—now in his 17th overall season and third since returning—the Gophers are coming off a breakthrough year in which they won nine games and finished above .500 for the first time since 2018.

Leading the charge offensively is junior attackman Jacob Morgan, who delivered a standout 2024 season with 34 goals and 27 assists, totaling 61 points. Morgan led the conference in points (4.07 per game) and earned All-Landmark Second Team honors. Senior midfielder Tyler May also returns after posting 34 goals and 11 assists en route to an All-Landmark Honorable Mention selection.

Defensively, graduate student Sean Nolan anchors the unit. The 2024 Landmark Conference Senior Scholar-Athlete finished last season with 42 caused turnovers and 44 ground balls, ranking second in the conference in caused turnovers (2.47 per game). His defensive dominance earned him All-Landmark Second Team honors.

The Gophers open their season at home on Feb. 15 against Methodist, with Landmark Conference play beginning on Mar. 22 versus Elizabethtown.

JUNIATA COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Dylan Abplanalp (1st Season)
  • 2024 Record: 2-15 (0-9 Landmark)

In his first season leading Juniata College’s men’s lacrosse program, head coach Dylan Abplanalp looks to guide the Eagles toward a competitive 2025 campaign after a challenging stretch in conference play last year.

With a strong core of returning players and fresh talent, Juniata is poised to take a step forward. Senior defenseman Charlie Newman (19 goals, 24 ground balls) provides versatility on both ends of the field. In contrast,e senior long-stick midfielder Matt McCleary (43 ground balls, 18 caused turnovers) and senior midfielder Ruben Stoll (53 ground balls, 37 caused turnovers, six goals) add experience and defensive intensity. Senior defenseman John DeFruscio (41 ground balls, 18 caused turnovers) bolsters the backline, and senior goalkeeper Ryan Madison returns after making 220 saves with a .499 save percentage in 2024.

The Eagles open their season on Feb. 1 at Fork Union, with Landmark Conference play beginning on Mar. 22 at Scranton.

LYCOMING COLLEGE

  • Head Coach: Tony Mackin (2nd Season)
  • 2024 Record: 5-9 (2-7 Landmark)

Entering their second season in the Landmark Conference, Lycoming College’s men’s lacrosse team, led by second-year head coach Tony Mackin, looks to build on last year’s foundation and take a step forward in 2025.

Anchoring the Warriors’ defense is senior goalkeeper Ben Franco, an All-Landmark Honorable Mention selection who finished the 2024 season with 250 saves and a .571 save percentage—third-best in the conference. Supporting him on the defensive end are junior Cole Slezak, senior Jakob Switzer, and senior Elijah Roselle, forming a strong backline.

Offensively, senior midfielder Joey Hoover returns after posting 31 goals and eight assists last season, while senior attackman Sean Farrell adds playmaking ability after finishing with 12 goals and 21 assists—ranking sixth in the conference in assists.

The Warriors open their season on Feb. 22 at Gwynedd Mercy, with Landmark Conference play beginning on Mar. 22 against Catholic.

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Dave Carty (11th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 9-9 (5-4 Landmark)

Once again, Moravian is poised to remain a championship contender in the 2025 men's lacrosse season. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Dave Carty, the Greyhounds aim to build on their recent successes and continue their upward trajectory.

Last season, Moravian led the conference in caused turnovers with 190 (10.56 per game), thanks in part to standout performances from senior defensemen Jason Levy (55 ground balls, 26 caused turnovers), Aden Moskovitz (48 ground balls, 23 caused turnovers), and faceoff specialist Gannon Mesko, who set the single-season program record for faceoff wins with 224 and also picked up 101 ground balls.

On the offensive side, the Greyhounds return their top three scorers from 2024. Senior midfielder Dan Kelly (22 goals, 10 assists, 32 points), senior Aaron Judge (35 goals, 6 assists, 41 points), and graduate attackman Trevor Dzama (28 goals, 40 assists, 68 points) are poised for another strong season. Dzama ranked second in the conference for assists, while Judge earned All-Landmark First Team honors, Dzama earned All-Landmark Second Team honors, and Levy, Moskovitz, and Mesko received All-Landmark recognitions at their respective positions.

The Greyhounds open their season on Feb. 15 at Albright College, with Landmark Conference play starting on Mar. 22 at Wilkes.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

  • Head Coach: Michael Hofmeister (7th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 14-8 (8-1 Landmark)

The University of Scranton looks to extend its reign as Landmark Conference champions for a third consecutive season. After another dominant campaign in 2024, head coach Michael Hofmeister and the Royals made program history by securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, a thrilling 10-9 overtime win against John Carroll.

Entering the 2025 season, junior goalkeeper Declan Allen and sophomore attacker Myles McCutcheon have earned Preseason Honorable Mention All-America recognition from Inside Lacrosse. Allen set a single-season program record with 215 saves and ranked third in the conference with a 9.56 goals-against average. McCutcheon, the 2024 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, finished with 46 goals and 56 points while ranking eighth in the conference with 2.19 goals per game.

The Royals will also rely on last season’s Tournament MVP, Kyle Holmes, to maintain their spot atop the conference. Holmes netted 52 goals and added five assists for 57 points in 2024. He ranked second in the Landmark in goals scored and delivered a career-best seven-goal performance in the conference semifinal win over Susquehanna—the most by a Scranton player since 2018.

Scranton opens its season on Feb. 15 with a marquee matchup at Salisbury, an NCAA Tournament quarterfinalist last season. The Royals then host Dickinson in their home opener, seeking redemption after falling to the Red Devils in the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament. Landmark Conference play begins on Mar. 22 against Juniata.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Steward Moan (18th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 14-4 (8-1 Landmark)

Fresh off a program-record 14 wins in 2024 and earning Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year honors, veteran head coach Steward Moan believes Susquehanna is primed to rise in the ranks and contend for a conference title. The River Hawks enter the 2025 season with a strong mix of newcomers and experienced returners, including five All-Landmark Conference selections.

Offensively, Susquehanna will lean on senior standouts Brennan Lorence and Jack Gaillard. Lorence, last season’s Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year, has established himself as one of the league’s premier players. He enters 2025 ranked fifth in program history in points (191) and third in goals (151) after leading the conference with 55 goals last season. He also collected 30 ground balls and became the first River Hawk to earn the award since the conference split its Player of the Year honors into offensive and defensive categories in 2019. Gaillard, another key offensive weapon, tallied 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points while adding 31 ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Defensively, senior defensemen Aidan Kennedy and Sean Yamada, along with goalkeeper Auggie Granatelli, anchor a resilient unit. Kennedy earned All-Landmark First Team recognition last season after recording 28 caused turnovers and 26 ground balls. Yamada contributed 48 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers, while Granatelli proved to be a force in goal, posting a .656 save percentage.

The River Hawks open their season on Feb. 15 at Penn College before hosting Misericordia on Feb. 26. Landmark Conference play begins on Mar. 22 at Drew.

WILKES UNIVERSITY

  • Head Coach: Curtis Jaques (10th Season)
  • 2024 Record: 4-12 (1-8 Landmark)

Wilkes University's men's lacrosse team aims to build on its inaugural Landmark Conference season under the leadership of head coach Curtis Jaques.

The Colonels will rely on several key returners in 2025. Senior midfielder Anthony DelDuca tallied 10 goals and three assists last season, while sophomore attacker Austin Sosnovik contributed 19 goals and 11 assists. Junior attacker Tim Hartka was one of the team’s top offensive threats, finishing with 21 goals and 12 assists. Defensively, junior Michael Rauch will be a key leader on the back line.

Wilkes opens the season with a Landmark Conference matchup against Elizabethtown on Feb. 15 before continuing league play with a road contest at Juniata on Mar. 29.

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