2026 Spring Practice

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Powellfan]

 

[nocohalo]

While Maryland’s Will Schaller, Notre Dame’s Shawn Lyght and Duke SSDM Aidan Maguire are widely considered to be three of the best players in college lacrosse and, as has been noted above, there’s a void of offensive star power

Joey Spallina is about to break the program all time points record, the only mention he gets is about being the "marquee figure" in a section unrelated to Tewaarton candidates, a section that said there's a "void of offensive star power".

I'm so sick of hearing about Maryland and Duke.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[LSyndicateM]

Welp, that answers the question I’ve been meaning to ask for a week now. Can’t believe there will be games in January.

 

[FloridaCuse]

While Maryland’s Will Schaller, Notre Dame’s Shawn Lyght and Duke SSDM Aidan Maguire are widely considered to be three of the best players in college lacrosse and, as has been noted above, there’s a void of offensive star power

Joey Spallina is about to break the program all time points record, the only mention he gets is about being the "marquee figure" in a section unrelated to Tewaarton candidates, a section that said there's a "void of offensive star power".

I'm so sick of hearing about Maryland and Duke.

I've always thought IL publisher Terry Foy has an inherent bias against Syracuse.

 

[DoctahLexus]

While Maryland’s Will Schaller, Notre Dame’s Shawn Lyght and Duke SSDM Aidan Maguire are widely considered to be three of the best players in college lacrosse and, as has been noted above, there’s a void of offensive star power

Joey Spallina is about to break the program all time points record, the only mention he gets is about being the "marquee figure" in a section unrelated to Tewaarton candidates, a section that said there's a "void of offensive star power".

I'm so sick of hearing about Maryland and Duke.

I think Spallina, Goldstein at Cornell, and Duffy at UNC are the closest to offensive “stars” right now, but I get why they are not treated like a CJ Kirst level talent. They still have a little left to prove. If Spallina takes that final step as a senior he will get the next level respect. He has improved every year so far and clearly works hard. Hoping the progress continues!

 

[cuselaxss26]

Think for spallIna who doesn’t have killer speed to run by guys. If he best tries to improve his mid range shot to even outer range or just able to bury rangy shots he could be even more stellar. Also think he needs to get more upfield by step or two or middle of field then take his shot when he bodies defender. Don’t need killer speed to be deadly. He’s got the smarts n work ethic to be deadly. Just think he takes to many poor angle shots at times , specially where feel could took another step or two upfield or middle field to improve his angle. Also find it funny they don’t talk bout his passing abilities as much. Dude is clearly one best passers in the game. The kid deserves more respect then gets from some of the haters ( critics).

Can’t wait when cuse beats maryland finally. !!!

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Powellfan]

Looks like Leo is healthy after being out all fall. Good sign …

 

[JeremyCuse]

Looks like Leo is healthy after being out all fall. Good sign …

Heard he could have played if it was the spring vs fall, stayed out for pre-cautionary reasons and is full go.

 

[Powellfan]

 

[Powellfan]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Syracuse lacrosse back at practice: What both teams need to sharpen in preseason

Both Syracuse University lacrosse teams returned to practice this week before the 2026 season begins in February.

www.syracuse.com

Sophomore Payton Anderson, who played in 15 games and made four starts at attack last season (14 goals; three assists), is primed to take Hiltz’s spot on the attack line.

English will be hard to replace as one of the better two-way players the past few seasons. A combination of production among players such as Luke Rhoa, Tyler McCarthy and Wyatt Hottle will have to fill the void.

Sophomore Matt McIntee turned heads in fall practice after missing last season due to injury. Freshman Bogue Hahn, a five-star prospect who was ranked among the 20 best players in his recruiting class, could push for time at midfield as well.

Sophomore Cam Ryan and freshman Louis D’Agostino are two names to watch to slide into Grace’s spot along with Figueiras and Dwan.

“We’ve got lots of talent,” Gait told me. “We have depth in some areas. We’re a little inexperienced in others. It’s how we come together as a team. That’s the key. Using our captains and coaches to create a culture where everyone is on the same page and how we handle adversity and pressure.

“If we come together and do a great job, we’ll be able to compete against anybody.”

 

[Dcuse]

Ok, question to our lacrosse guys here...
Starter predictions? Including Faceoff line and 2 offensive middie lines.

 

[Powellfan]

Ok, question to our lacrosse guys here...
Starter predictions? Including Faceoff line and 2 offensive middie lines.

Twist my arm why don't you ... please note I am always wrong about this. I am assuming Trey Deere is in fact out for the year.

Attack: Joey Spallina, Finn Thomson and Michael Leo
All senior attack should bring plenty of experience. I like the balance of this unit, as you have two righties and a lefty, plus you standard "QB/Finisher/Dodger" attributes. It sounds like the only question is if Anderson switches spots with Leo.

First Midfield: Luke Rhoa, Payton Anderson and Tyler McCarthy
I think two of the most important players this year are Rhoa and Anderson. I think we all know how good the attack is and what they bring. I don't think Rhoa has fully hit his potential and Anderson brings so much from a physical perspective. If they can both put it all together I think this offense is border-line unstoppable. McCarthy can hopefully bring some "all around" game that English used to. Big question is his shooting ability and confidence. He can't just be the sixth guy who only shoots when wide open.

Second Midfield: Matt McIntee, Wyatt Hottle, Charlie Kraftson
Your guess is as good as mine here. McIntee seems to have had a good fall and I think is most likely to be featured amongst these three. Hottle drives me a bit crazy, but he can get up and down the field and has shown potential. Kraftson has been waiting his time, I just don't know if he's strictly an attackman. Bogue Hahn would be next man up for me.

Defensive Midfield: Jayden Kittleberger, Dante Bowen, Ryder Ochoa and Jake Spallina
The group with the biggest question marks. Kitteleberger sounds like he has great potential, but he'll just be a freshman. Not much is known about Bowen but he's got experience. Ochoa and Spallina I have lots of questions about, they will have needed to make great strides over the offseason.

Face-off: John Mullen
One of the best in the country, though had a few clunkers last year (vs Princeton, Maryland and UNC come to mind). Still, one of the obvious strengths of the team. Question is his backup. Drew Angelo struggled as a freshman last year, and they only brought in a walk-on to compete here. Wings will probably be led by McCarthy and Chuck Kuczynski. Big shoes to fill as English was one of the best in the country last year.

LSM: Chuck Kuczynski, Vincent Bologinino
Kuczynski is an aggressive player with decent size. Bologinino was forced to play SSDM last year and had some decent moments playing out of position. Is a bit on the small side though. Wild card is Joe Filardi who was obviously with the football team in the fall.

Defense: Riley Figuerias, Billy Dwan and Jordan Beck
Three seniors which is always a good sign. Dwan will have to have a bounce back year as he struggled a bit last year (it seemed like he was overly concerned with scoring goals and not preventing them). Figuerias is a steady presence. Beck is huge who has experience playing on man-down.

Goalie: Jimmy McCool
Had some really good outings last year (ACC Tourny MVP) but also had some rather frustrating performances. He'll be backed up by Michael Ippoliti who has looked strong is brief appearances.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Syracuse lacrosse back at practice: What both teams need to sharpen in preseason

Both Syracuse University lacrosse teams returned to practice this week before the 2026 season begins in February.

www.syracuse.com

Sophomore Payton Anderson, who played in 15 games and made four starts at attack last season (14 goals; three assists), is primed to take Hiltz’s spot on the attack line.

English will be hard to replace as one of the better two-way players the past few seasons. A combination of production among players such as Luke Rhoa, Tyler McCarthy and Wyatt Hottle will have to fill the void.

Sophomore Matt McIntee turned heads in fall practice after missing last season due to injury. Freshman Bogue Hahn, a five-star prospect who was ranked among the 20 best players in his recruiting class, could push for time at midfield as well.

Sophomore Cam Ryan and freshman Louis D’Agostino are two names to watch to slide into Grace’s spot along with Figueiras and Dwan.

“We’ve got lots of talent,” Gait told me. “We have depth in some areas. We’re a little inexperienced in others. It’s how we come together as a team. That’s the key. Using our captains and coaches to create a culture where everyone is on the same page and how we handle adversity and pressure.

“If we come together and do a great job, we’ll be able to compete against anybody.”

Interesting they say Anderson is "primed to take Hiltz attack spot". Did not seem to be leaning in that direction in fall ball, but also is something we anticipated. Will it be Anderson Leo Spallina or Anderson Thomson Spallina? Or is this just speculation? It will be an interesting decision.

Not surprised to see D'Agostino mentioned. He looked excellent in the Binghamton scrimmage.

 

[Hawknate144]

I just saw some rumor that Kempney actually already transferred and was a last second add to Albany, is there any truth to that

 

[OttosDad]

Ok, question to our lacrosse guys here...
Starter predictions? Including Faceoff line and 2 offensive middie lines.

I’ll take a stab…
Attack- Spallina, Thomson, Leo.
4th Attack Options- Deere(if healthy), Kraftson, Jake Meyer

Midfield- Anderson, Rhoa, McCarthy
2nd Line- McIntee, Hahn, Hottle

LSM- Chuck K, Bolognino

FO- Mullen, Angelo

Close D- Fig, Dwan, Stephens

Goalie- Jimmy, Ipp

 

[illestcuse]

I just saw some rumor that Kempney actually already transferred and was a last second add to Albany, is there any truth to that

Just seen a post on their NIL page on insta, so looks like it is true. Good spot for him.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Call me crazy but the most natural looking x attack on the roster might be Kraftson. If we are leaning towards having maximum dodging power on the attack line he might get a look. Or it could at least be a potential wrinkle to the lineup if things aren't working with Thomson in a certain matchup. Anderson and Leo both seem more suited for the left wing.

 

[DMVCuseLax]

I hope they are stressing taking care of the ball. The team avg close to 15 TOs a game last year. That needs to change.

English and Hiltz led the team in this category so hopefully they can get down to the 10 range this year.

 

[JeremyCuse]

I hope they are stressing taking care of the ball. The team avg close to 15 TOs a game last year. That needs to change.

English and Hiltz led the team in this category so hopefully they can get down to the 10 range this year.

This, the talent to win a title is there but again there are multiple intangible type issues that continue to haunt Gait teams. It's why we haven't been able to get over the hump against Maryland. It's a huge storyline for this season.