2024 Season Preview: Rivier Men’s Lacrosse
NASHUA, N.H. – Rivier men's lacrosse looks to avenge its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) quarterfinal round exit in 2023 beginning with Saturday, Feb. 24's home opener against Curry at noon at Merrill Field.
Rivier finished 12-4 last season, the third-best finish in the conference. The Raiders saw numerous postseason accolades, including eight individuals earning all-conference honors. Michael Ference was named the GNAC Offensive Player of the Year after posting 36 goals and 37 assists totaling an impressive 73 points.
Along with Ference, the Raiders expect key contributions on offense from Coby Mercier, Chris Heitmiller, Connor Eck, Nicholas Tavares, Michael Zapatka, and Sawyer Hall.
On the other side of the field, senior goalkeeper Sawyer Gagnon will look to lead the Raiders from the crease. Helping bolster the defensive effort will be Adam Hailey, Robert DelPrete, Parker Williams, and Matty Babb.
Rivier starts the season with four non-conference opponents before hosting Lasell on Wednesday, March 13. After traveling to Albertus Magnus three days later, the Raiders will host Hartwick in a non-conference clash. A non-league clash with Wheaton (Mass.) on Tue. April, 9 breaks up the final eight games of the GNAC slate.
Head coach James DeLanoy returns for his 13th season at the helm after earning his 100th win on the Raiders' sideline in 2023. DeLanoy posts a 100-76 record, good for a .568 winning percentage, the second-winningest active head coach at Rivier.
"I am excited to work with a group of young men led by our three captains Jeffery Potter, Matty Babb, and Sawyer Gagnon," said DeLanoy. "Our captains are three of our team's 12 seniors on the roster for 2024. This group has grown and developed together; They understand the process and are all looking for improved results in 2024.
Delanoy continued, "Twenty-two of our forty-two rostered players are in the junior and senior classes. The core of our leadership, talent, and experience has come together well this pre-season and it should make for a good spring."
