onWINDHAM, Mass. - Following a historic season, the Rivier men's lacrosse team was highly recognized by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) in postseason awards, highlighted by four Raider earning major award winners and nine All- Conference team selections.
In his 15th season, head coach
James DeLanoy led his squad to a perfect 18-0 record (11-0 GNAC) and the first undefeated season the program has ever seen.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Jake Lydon emerged as a dominant force this season, capturing both Defensive Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year honors. The six-time GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week, Lydon started all 18 games and delivered elite numbers: a 66.5% save percentage, 161 total saves, and a 5.05 goals-against average, the top mark in all of Division III.
Senior faceoff specialist
Owen McDuffie closed out his exceptional four-year career in dominant fashion, earning Faceoff Specialist of the Year honors. Appearing in all 18 games, he posted a 71.7% faceoff win rate at the faceoff X, a mark that ranked 11th nationally. McDuffie also added a goal and an assist while collecting 111 ground balls, showcasing his all-around impact. His standout play earned him Player of the Week recognition during the season, putting an exclamation point on a stellar career.
First-year standout
Conor Walsh made an immediate splash on the Raiders' offense, leading the team with 63 points on 35 goals and 28 assists. He posted a team-best 73.4% shots-on-goal percentage and delivered four game-winning goals along the way. Walsh earned himself GNAC Rookie of the Week honors three times in his debut season. He was also named to All-Conference Third Team Selection.
Five Raiders earned spots on the All-Conference First Team, sophomore
Aiden Conley and first-years
Logan Layton and
Colin Foley, along with major-award winners Lydon and McDuffie. Conley powered the offense, finishing second on the team with 58 points on 44 goals and 14 assists. He added four man-up goals and a man-down tally while shooting 69.6% on goal. Conley also picked up 29 ground balls and caused seven turnovers. Foley appeared in all 18 games and made an immediate impact in the midfield, totaling 13 points on nine goals and four assists, including two game-winners. He was a defensive force as well, causing 35 turnovers and collecting 61 ground balls. Layton helped anchor the defensive unit from day one, starting all 18 games and making his presence felt with 33 caused turnovers, 48 ground balls, and a major role in the transition game.
Second Team selections include junior
Cole Ronalter, sophomore
James DelPrete, and first-year
Henri Brochu. Ronalter was a steady presence in the midfield, totaling 10 points on three goals and seven assists, including a game-winner. He added 47 ground balls and caused 12 turnovers, showcasing his two-way value. DelPrete ranked fourth on the team with 50 points on 31 goals and 19 assists, including a winning goal, while also picking up 13 ground balls and causing seven turnovers. Brochu was a major contributor to the offensive unit, posting 43 points on 22 goals and 21 assists. His breakout season earned him Rookie of the Week honors twice, along with a spot on the DIII New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) Team of the Week.
First-year
Luke Armano rounds out the Raiders' postseason honors with a selection to the Sportsmanship Team. Armano started all 11 games he appeared in, collecting 24 ground balls and causing 21 turnovers, showcasing his discipline, consistency, and impact on the defensive end.
Rivier will make its second straight NCAA Division III Tournament appearance on Wednesday April 6, when the Raiders host Rhodes in the First Round at Joanne Merrill Field. The opening faceoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
