Little East 

1. Western Connecticut 
2. UMass Boston
3. Mass Maritime
4. Plymouth State
5. Keene State
6. Eastern Connecticut 
7. Salem State
8. VTSU Castleton 
9. Southern Maine 

Western Connecticut

2025 Overall Record: 13-7 

2025 Conference Record: 8-0, Regular Season Conference Champions and Tournament Champions 

Postseason Appearance: Semi Finals Beat Keene State 17-7 and Beat UMass Boston in the Championship 22-7. Lost to Babson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Key Losses

• Julian Duque | Attack | LEC Offensive Player of the Year; All-LEC First Team 
• Liam Ford | Midfield | All-LEC First Team 
• Jonathan Russack-Baker | Midfield/FO | All-LEC First Team 
• Tyler Starrett | Midfield | All-LEC Second Team 
• Nathan Caldwell | Short-stick Mid | All-LEC Second Team 
• Matt Sweeney | Midfield | All-LEC Honorable Mention

Key Returners

• Tristan McMahon | Midfield | 37 pts All-LEC First Team 
• Charlie Guidera | LSM | All-LEC First Team
• JJ Gitzinger | Defense | All-LEC Second Team
• Sam Rosa | Midfield | 21 pts | will be a 3-year starter
• James Krieg | Midfield | 18 pts | will be a 2-year stater 
• Jayden Alfano | Defense | will be a 3-year starter
• Owen Stark | DMID | will be a 3-year starter 
• Jake Kelly | Goalie | will be a 2-year starter 

Impact Newcomers (First-years, transfers, returns from injury)

• Cody Shur | Attack | Injured Last Year | 2024 All-LEC Second Team 
• Michael Zapatka | Attack | Graduate Transfer Rivier | 63 pts  
• One of the most talented freshmen classes in program history, a lot of young talent will touch the field for us.

Games That Will Test This Team Early: 

• SUNY Brockport
• Farmingdale
• USMMA
• Vassar
• Montclair State

 Anything You Feel the Lacrosse Community Should Know About This Team: 

“With a solid returning core (our entire defense and offensive midfielders) and strong incoming class, we think we are capable of deep postseason run.”

DeeThreeLax Take: Western Connecticut enters 2026 carrying the weight of being the team everyone in the LEC will be chasing. After a dominant conference run, the Wolves will look different offensively, but the backbone of the roster remains intact with experience across the midfield, defense, and in goal. The addition of proven scoring talent and a highly regarded freshman class gives this group multiple ways to replace lost production. With a challenging early slate and championship expectations baked in, Western Connecticut looks positioned to test itself early and push for another deep postseason run.

UMass Boston 

Head Coach: Tyler Low 

2025 Overall Record: 14-5

2025 Conference Record: 7-1

Key Losses:

• Seth Libby – Midfield – 32 Goals, 11 Assists, 43 Points 
• Timothy Sullivan – Midfield – 25 Goals, 5 Assists, 30 Points 
• Shane McGonagle – Midfield – 16 Goals, 4 Assists, 20 Points 
• Patrick Carey – Defense – 39 CTs, 80 GBs, 12 Points 
• Sean Cullagh – LSM – 27 CTs, 29 GBs, 1 Point 
• Justin McCullough – LSM – 24 CTs, 37 GBs, 2 Points 
• Nick Gualtieri – Midfield – 19 CTs, 54 GBs, 6 Points 

Key Returners:

• Matt Hutchings – Attack – 50 Goals, 16 Assists, 66 Points 
• Jack Schartner – Attack – 30 Goals, 7 Assists, 37 Points 
• Cole Allan – Midfield – 18 Goals, 18 Assists, 36 Points 
• Caesar Hendricks – Midfield – 13 Goals, 14 Assists, 27 Points 
• Holden Kuzniar – Defense – 25 CTs, 50 GBS
• James Boldy – Goalie – 182 Saves, 54% Save Percntage 

Games that will test this team early:

• MIT
• Skidmore
• Wooster
• Southwestern
• Babson

DeeThreeLax Take: UMass Boston heads into 2026 with the look of a team that expects to be in the mix again after a strong 2025 campaign. While the Beacons graduated a tough, physical offensive Unit they bring back high-end scoring up front and a steady presence in goal. A demanding early schedule should give this group a quick reality check and help set the standard moving into conference play. If the midfield reloads and the defense holds firm, UMass Boston has the pieces to make a run in the LEC and beyond.

Mass Maritime

Head Coach: Mike Smith 

2025 Overall Record: 9-7

2025 Conference Record: 5-3

Key Losses:

• Braeden Kosiewicz – Midfield – 18 Goals, 14 Assists, 32 Points 
• James Cassidy – Defense – 18 CTs, 39 GBs

Key Returners:

• Quinn Mucha – Attack – 39 Goals, 23 Assists, 62 Points
• Daniel Kane – Attack – 30 Goals, 31 Assists, 61 Points 
• James Sullivan – Attack – 35 Goals, 24 Assists, 59 Points 
• Cooper Barret  – Midfield – 27 Goals, 8 Assists, 35 Points 
• Ryan McDonough – Midfield – 29 Goals, 6 Assists, 35 Points 
• Joe Vricella – Midfield – 18 Goals, 10 Assists, 28 Points 
• Cooper McIntire – Attack – 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points 
• Will Dykeman – Defense – 15 CTs, 22 GBs
• Brady Deschenes – LSM – 11 CTs, 8 GBs

Games that will test this team early:

• Johnson & Wales 
• Maine Maritime 
• Roger Williams 
• Clark

DeeThreeLax Take: Mass Maritime enters 2026 with no shortage of scoring options and ready to take the next step in the LEC. The Buccaneers return a deep, experienced attack and offense that can push pace and win shootouts if needed. The early test will be whether the defense can hold up as the offense carries the load. If the back end settles in, Mass Maritime has the firepower to be a problem for teams throughout conference play. I expect them to be the dark horse of the LEC and pull off some upsets people did not see coming in 2026. 

Plymouth State

Head Coach: Mike Wilus
2025 Overall Record:11-5

2025 Conference Record: 6-2

Key Losses:

• Crosby Fay 1st team all conference attack
• Joey Lober 2nd team all conference defense

Key Returners:

• Ethan Schena, Goalie, Grad Student led the LEC in save percentage (.616), was second in goals against average (7.83), and third in saves per game (11.31),
• Zach Marvel, Dmid, Three time all conference dmid, anchors the defense. 
• Aiden Renner, Midfield and FO, First team all conference midfielder, also top FO man. 

Impact Newcomers (First-years, transfers, returns from injury)

• Going to be starting new guys all over the field after graduating close to 30 seniors the last two years. 

Games That Will Test This Team Early: 

• Salve
• Wentworth

DeeThreeLax Take: Plymouth State heads into 2026 with a clear identity, even as the lineup turns over. With one of the top goalies in the LEC and an experienced defensive leader in the middle, the Panthers should be comfortable playing tight, low-scoring games early. Offensively, new faces will be asked make an immediate impact after losing some key pieces in the off season. The defense will set the tone this season for Plymouth state, but if the offense can get rolling they will be in the mix within the LEC once again. 

Keene State

Head Coach: Mark Theriault 

2025 Overall record: 8-10

2025 Conference Record: 4-4

Key Losses:

• Rex Maccarini – Attack – 38 Goals, 41 Assists, 79 Points 
• Jack Ansart – Attack – 35 Goals, 3 Assists, 38 Points 
• Giacomo Tedone – Midfield – 19 Goals, 19 Assists, 38 Points 
• Hunter Tavares – Defense – 15 CTs, 11 GBs 
• Dylan Florian – Goalie – 160 Saves 

Key Returners:

• Dylan Seymour – Attack – 20 Goals, 9 Assists, 29 Points 
• Jake Dubiel – Midfield – 17 Goals, 4 Assists, 21 Points 
• Ty Cougler – LSM – 47 CTs, 70 GBs, 2 Points 
• Dylan Fadale – Defense – 19 CTs, 25 GBs 
• Aidan Donohue – LSM – 15 CTs, 25 GBs 
• Nicholas McNulty – Midfield – 12 CTs, 32 GBs, 16 Points 

Games that will test this team early:

• Western New England 
• Springfield
• Rhodes

DeeThreeLax Take: Keene State heads into 2026 looking to replace the production that they lost from the high-powered offense of last season. This year’s group will likely win games in a new way, leaning more on defensive playmakers, ground-ball battles, and pace control. Early non-conference tests should give a quick read on how the offense evolves with new faces at the leading. If the Owls can stay connected defensively and make up for some of the lost production offensively they should be able to hold their own in the LEC and work their way into the LEC tournament once again. 

Eastern Connecticut State 

Head Coach: Craig Gibson 

2025 Overall Record:

2025 Conference Record:

Key Losses:

• Sean Ventresca – Defense – 11 CTs, 23 GBs 

Key Returners:

• Warren Channing – Attack – 39 Goals, 9 Assists, 48 Points 
• Tanner Drobish – Attack – 23 Goals, 18 Assists, 41 Points 
• Landon Maab – Attack – 20 Goals, 20 Assists, 40 Points 
• Connor Chirico – Midfield – 16 Goals, 6 Assists, 22 Points 
• Logan Pych – Midfield – 18 CTs, 43 GBs, 3 Points 
• Erik Suzio – Defense – 11 CTs, 33 GBs
• Jacob Shook – Defense – 10 CTs, 18 GBs 
• Gregory Hilinshki – Goalie – 152 Saves 

Games that will test this group early:

• University of Saint Joseph 
• Farmingdale State 
• Roger Williams 

DeeThreeLax Take: Eastern Connecticut State heads into 2026 with one of the largest returning groups in the conference and that should be the calling card early. With multiple proven scorers back in the lineup, the Warriors should be comfortable playing fast and putting pressure on opponents. The challenge will be turning offensive production into consistent results, especially against a competitive early schedule and tough LEC teams. If the defense holds its shape and the offense stays balanced, ECSU has the pieces to be a tough matchup week to week. I think this group should find themselves back in the LEC tournament at the end of the season.

Salem State

Head Coach: Steve Driscoll (Entering 5^th season)
 moving to newly formed MASCAC in 2027)

2025 Overall Record: 8-8

2025 Conference Record: 1-7

Key Losses:

• Liam Bernardi Captain 2 Year captain and SSDM
• Jack Seward Dailey Captain Starting Close Defense 3 years
• Fisher Gadbois Attack transferred to Onondaga Community College
• Damian Biersteker Goalie transferred to Onondaga Community College

Key Returners:

• Grady Smith Midfield 2^nd Team All Conference 37 G 23 A
• Cameron Collins Midfield 9 G 15 A 
• Joe Turpin Midfield 6 G 9A
• Landon Rice Attack 30 G 19 A
• Connor Vittands Attack 26 G 13 A
• AJ Chiaradonna LSM 31 GBs 17 CT in 10 games

Impact Newcomers (First-years, transfers, returns from injury)

• James Tatro Midfield Expected to be an Offensive Midfield/Attack. Plays Ice Hockey at Salem State and was named MASCAC Men’s Ice Hockey Conference Rookie of the year in 2025.
• Jaxon Thomas LSM Transferred from Utah State. Hard working defenseman who will match feet with most midfielders.
• Brendan McCarron Defense Transferred in from Endicott College. Big strong in your face defenseman who loves to be physical.
• Juan Scott Midfield. Freshman from Grafton MA, excellent offensive touch with a knack for putting his teammates in the right place to score. 
• Jimmy Trahan Midfield. Freshman from Reading MA, great step-down shot and speed to get past defenders.

Games That Will Test This Team Early:

• St Joseph College of Maine (2/21)
• Clark (2/24)
• Rivier (3/17)

Anything You Feel the Lacrosse Community Should Know About This Team:  

Salem State had their second most wins in program history in the 2025 season going 8-8. With moving to the newly formed MASCAC in the 2027 season, Salem will be positioned to be in a conference with more aligned schools and face more like competition that will prepare them for conference playoffs and hopefully into the NCAAs. We expect to make the Little East Conference Tournament for the first time as a program since 2015. Being better in every Conference games and improving our positioning in our last season in the Little East Conference.

DeeThreeLax Take: Salem State cruises into 2026 feeling looking to continue building on what they did last season. Coming off one of its most successful seasons and carrying real confidence into the spring. The Vikings return a strong offensive core and add physicality and skill through transfers and freshmen who should make an immediate impact. With this being their final run in the Little East before the move to the MASCAC, motivation won’t be an issue. If Salem can turn close conference games into wins, this group should see another successful season and help them climb the ranks within the Little East. 

VTSU Castleton 

Head Coach: Nathan Snitz 

2025 Overall Record: 3-12

2025 Conference Record: 2-6

Key Losses:

• Cam Frankenhoff – Midfield – 41 Goals, 12 Assists, 53 Points 
• Liam Lovering – Defense – 16 CTs, 16 GBs 
• Jonah Janaro – Defense – 13 CTs, 27 GBs, 1 Point 
• Zac Smith – Goalie – 202 Saves, 54 % Save Percentage 

Key Returners:

• Brayden Goddard – Midfield – 18 Goals, 11 Assists, 29 Points 
• Carter Frankenhoff – Attack – 21 Goals, 6 Assists, 27 Points 
• Liam Evarts – Attack – 24 Goals, 2 Assists, 26 Points 
• Gabe Rubio – LSM – 27 CTs, 37 GBs, 2 Points 
• Asa Forbes – Defense – 22 CTs, 30 GBs

Games that will test this group early:

• Mount Saint Vincent 
• Thomas
• Plattsburgh State

DeeThreeLax Take: VTSU returns in 2026 without their top scorer and starting goalie from 2025 which will be the biggest areas for them to figure out this season. The Spartans do return a capable group of offensive pieces that should keep them competitive, but replacing production on the back end will be the early challenge. This season feels less about the win-loss column and more about establishing consistency and identity. If Castleton can stay connected defensively and grow into games as the year goes on, the progress should be noticeable by conference play.

Southern Maine 

Head Coach: Sam Manders 

2025 Overall Record: 2-14

2025 Conference Record: 0-8

Key Losses:

• Duncan Hayes – Midfield – 22 CTs, 24 GBs
• Luke Gagner – Defense – 13 CTs, 26 GBs

Key Returners:

• Pat O’Driscoll – Midfield – 20 Goals, 4 Assists, 24 Points
• Adam Coley – Attack – 14 Goals, 7 Assists, 21 Points 
• Rhys Bridges – Attack – 12 Goals, 9 Assists, 21 Points 
• Owen Gaulrapp – Midfield – 11 Goals, 9 Assists, 20 Points 
• Herb Bryant – Defense – 15 CTs, 18 GBs, 
• Lucas Rego – Midfield – 13 CTs, 37 GBs 

Games that will test this group early:

• Husson 
• MCLA 
• Regis 

DeeThreeLax Take: Southern Maine looks to bounce back after a challenging 2025 campaign. The good news is that Southern Maine has a lot of returning production and didn’t lose all that much in the off season. This is team and build on what they did last season and find more consistency on both ends of the field they should be able to compete at a higher level within the LEC as well as put together an improved season