NESCAC

[justanotherperson]

I the original discussion of where prep school players end up was in another forum (Tufts?) but I did the 2024 analysis on the NEW1 Prep School Destination (cross posted in that forum). For 2024's, there were 197 "listed" varsity NEW1 players that I have on record and this is the distribution of schools they attended. This is not an indictment on what schools are better than others but you can see a pattern of where prep school players may end up. I didnt do ISL but I suspect it will be the same (cant compete with laxxal22's excellent work) and the 2024 class went to some great schools. I dont know how accurate my data is but here goes and kudos to all 24'a who committed somewhere, its a big achievement:

197 listed varsity players
-79 (40.1%) uncommitted (I did not dig deep into these to figure out if the eschewed lacrosse for a "top" academic school. Some committed for other sports as well)
-69 (35.0%) D1 - (48 (69.6%) went to Ivy / Patriot / ACC / B10)
-7 (3.6%) D2
-42 (21.3%) D3 - (16 (38.1%) went to NESCAC, 10 (23.8%) - LIberty, 1-MIT, 7 to Kenyon/Oberlin/Gettysburg/Denison/Colorado College)

Air Force
Amherst (2)
Army
Bates
Bentley
Boston University (2)
Bowdoin
Brown (3)
Bryant
Catholic
Clark
Clarkson
Cleveland State
Colby
Colgate (4)
Colorado College
Connecticut College
Cornell (2)
Dartmouth (3)
Denison
Denver
Drexel
Fairfield
Georgetown (4)
Gettysburg (3)
Harvard (2)
High Point
Hofstra
Holy Cross (3)
Iona (2)
Jacksonville
Johns Hopkins (2)
Kenyon
Lafayette
Loyola
Lynchburg
Marist
Michigan (2)
Middlebury
MIT
Navy (2)
North Carolina (2)
Notre Dame
Oberlin
Ohio State
Ohio Wesleyan
Penn (2)
Princeton (2)
Providence
Quinnipiac
Richmond
RIT
Robert Morris
Rutgers (2)
Saint Lawrence (4)
Salisbury
Skidmore (2)
Syracuse (2)
Tampa (2)
Towson
Trinity (3)
Tufts (3)
U of Indianapolis
U of Massachusetts (3)
Union (2)
Ursinus
Vermont (2)
Virginia (3)
Wentworth
Wesleyan
Western New England
Wilkes
Williams (2)
Yale (2)

Finally, this may be controversial but I did notice for the NEW1 schools, depending on how they are ranked, the distribution of the colleges slightly changed (with Kent and Wick as outliers) from top to bottom. This is not to validate prep school rankings nor is it an indictment on which prep school is better because out of 4546 prep schools they are all pretty darn good; just an observation. Niche rankings as follows:

#9 Choate
#22 Hotchkiss
#33 Deerfield
#35 Loomis
#51 Taft
#94 NMH
#115 Kent
#373 Avon Old Farms
#380 Salisbury
#399 Westminster
#407 Berkshire
#633 Trinity Pawling
NR Brunswick

Trinity pawling has put out an absurd amount of recruits in the last year. I see them being a prep school that is a power house in college lacrosse recruiting. CK ginacola is a TP guy and is the top of a massive list. AOF has fallen off recently and I believe they will be at the bottom of this list soon. Be prepared to see loomis at the top of this list, Bill Ball has done some incredible things.

Laxwizard - apologies as these are academic rankings via niche. Not lacrosse rankings

[NNELax]

My comment was simply for pcowlax who will shoot first when he doesn't like something....but another list comes out that probably confirms his bias and he doesn't ask about methodology or all the other BS he finds crucial....

[ILikeChooChoos]

This thread is the most pathetic corner of the entire internet.

[pcowlax]

This thread is the most pathetic corner of the entire internet.

And yet here you are. Keep hyping your trade school NNElax, there must be someone out here gullible enough to think Babson is a top school. A good rule of thumb to identify a bad school is that the acceptance rate is higher than the graduation rate. A good rule to identify a top school in the country is that most people acclaimed with high level academics or graduate schools have heard of it. Would love to hear you ask an admissions office at, say, PhD program
In philosophy at UCLA their impression of Babson.

[choochooCharlie]

This thread is the most pathetic corner of the entire internet.

This pathetic thread represents 50% of your (burner) account’s posts, with the other 50% being the dumpster fire that is the Tufts 2025 thread. Sadly the numbers are likely similar for your “real” account. We should all just ignore any of the bad of this conference and make believe everything is fantastic? You wish.

Keep hyping your trade school NNElax, there must be someone out here gullible enough to think Babson is a top school. A good rule of thumb to identify a bad school is that the acceptance rate is higher than the graduation rate. A good rule to identify a top school in the country is that most people acclaimed with high level academics or graduate schools have heard of it. Would love to hear you ask an admissions office at, say, PhD program
In philosophy at UCLA their impression of Babson.

Here’s another good rule of thumb brah, if you’ve got to cut down other schools, or respond to everyone who pumps up their own in order to elevate yours(self), then you’ve got a complex. Everyone knows the top NESCACs are strong academically. Everyone also knows they’re on a sharp down turn in many other facets. Campus climates have been terrible just to name one.

An admission office at UCLA has heard of your NESCAC school and not NNE’s Babson, yet here you both are, in a forum on a Saturday morning. Now that’s irony.

[Laxwizard]

I the original discussion of where prep school players end up was in another forum (Tufts?) but I did the 2024 analysis on the NEW1 Prep School Destination (cross posted in that forum). For 2024's, there were 197 "listed" varsity NEW1 players that I have on record and this is the distribution of schools they attended. This is not an indictment on what schools are better than others but you can see a pattern of where prep school players may end up. I didnt do ISL but I suspect it will be the same (cant compete with laxxal22's excellent work) and the 2024 class went to some great schools. I dont know how accurate my data is but here goes and kudos to all 24'a who committed somewhere, its a big achievement:

197 listed varsity players
-79 (40.1%) uncommitted (I did not dig deep into these to figure out if the eschewed lacrosse for a "top" academic school. Some committed for other sports as well)
-69 (35.0%) D1 - (48 (69.6%) went to Ivy / Patriot / ACC / B10)
-7 (3.6%) D2
-42 (21.3%) D3 - (16 (38.1%) went to NESCAC, 10 (23.8%) - LIberty, 1-MIT, 7 to Kenyon/Oberlin/Gettysburg/Denison/Colorado College)

Air Force
Amherst (2)
Army
Bates
Bentley
Boston University (2)
Bowdoin
Brown (3)
Bryant
Catholic
Clark
Clarkson
Cleveland State
Colby
Colgate (4)
Colorado College
Connecticut College
Cornell (2)
Dartmouth (3)
Denison
Denver
Drexel
Fairfield
Georgetown (4)
Gettysburg (3)
Harvard (2)
High Point
Hofstra
Holy Cross (3)
Iona (2)
Jacksonville
Johns Hopkins (2)
Kenyon
Lafayette
Loyola
Lynchburg
Marist
Michigan (2)
Middlebury
MIT
Navy (2)
North Carolina (2)
Notre Dame
Oberlin
Ohio State
Ohio Wesleyan
Penn (2)
Princeton (2)
Providence
Quinnipiac
Richmond
RIT
Robert Morris
Rutgers (2)
Saint Lawrence (4)
Salisbury
Skidmore (2)
Syracuse (2)
Tampa (2)
Towson
Trinity (3)
Tufts (3)
U of Indianapolis
U of Massachusetts (3)
Union (2)
Ursinus
Vermont (2)
Virginia (3)
Wentworth
Wesleyan
Western New England
Wilkes
Williams (2)
Yale (2)

Finally, this may be controversial but I did notice for the NEW1 schools, depending on how they are ranked, the distribution of the colleges slightly changed (with Kent and Wick as outliers) from top to bottom. This is not to validate prep school rankings nor is it an indictment on which prep school is better because out of 4546 prep schools they are all pretty darn good; just an observation. Niche rankings as follows:

#9 Choate
#22 Hotchkiss
#33 Deerfield
#35 Loomis
#51 Taft
#94 NMH
#115 Kent
#373 Avon Old Farms
#380 Salisbury
#399 Westminster
#407 Berkshire
#633 Trinity Pawling
NR Brunswick

Trinity pawling has put out an absurd amount of recruits in the last year. I see them being a prep school that is a power house in college lacrosse recruiting. CK ginacola is a TP guy and is the top of a massive list. AOF has fallen off recently and I believe they will be at the bottom of this list soon. Be prepared to see loomis at the top of this list, Bill Ball has done some incredible things.

Laxwizard - apologies as these are academic rankings via niche. Not lacrosse rankings

Laxwizard9 is not Laxwizard. There can be only one!

[sguy9]

https://news.colby.edu/story/colby-hire ... athletics/

Another positive step for the Mules.

[jumpman23]

this is for the NESCAC

Zack Goorno selected with the 58th pick in the 5th round of the NLL draft by Colorado

https://www.nll.com/news/draft-central- ... y-castore/

[SneaksBeac]

Just gonna leave this here...

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/20/ ... -training/

[Laxguy456]

Thanks for posting this...was going to post my way to early NESCAC rankings yesterday...

Hope all the players impacted make a speedy recovery.

[SouthieLax]

I think we could see a knee jerk reaction by the Presidents to shut down NESCAC Fall Ball again. For decades it was not formally allowed (until post-COVID) and they’ll point to this Tufts incident as a reason to claw it back. They already shut down Tufts/Wesleyan playing D1 teams last Fall.

[lax]

I think we could see a knee jerk reaction by the Presidents to shut down NESCAC Fall Ball again. For decades it was not formally allowed (until post-COVID) and they’ll point to this Tufts incident as a reason to claw it back. They already shut down Tufts/Wesleyan playing D1 teams last Fall.

The NESCAC didn't "shut down Tufts/Wesleyan playing D1 teams last Fall". the NESCAC doesn't allow ANY outside competition in the fall segment, not even an alumni game.

[choochooCharlie]

I think we could see a knee jerk reaction by the Presidents to shut down NESCAC Fall Ball again. For decades it was not formally allowed (until post-COVID) and they’ll point to this Tufts incident as a reason to claw it back. They already shut down Tufts/Wesleyan playing D1 teams last Fall.

The NESCAC didn't "shut down Tufts/Wesleyan playing D1 teams last Fall". the NESCAC doesn't allow ANY outside competition in the fall segment, not even an alumni game.

The current situation is making it look like the NESCAC rules are more like friendly suggestions. Just don’t get caught by accidentally putting 20% of your roster in the hospital.

[CHRLAX]

I wonder how much or any of this incident is caused by the limit on official or supervised practices or whatever. I am not an expert on NESCAC rules... but if they had more fully supervised interactions and didn't feel like they had to do voluntary stuff on the side... would this have happened?

[shorelax12]

I wonder how much or any of this incident is caused by the limit on official or supervised practices or whatever. I am not an expert on NESCAC rules... but if they had more fully supervised interactions and didn't feel like they had to do voluntary stuff on the side... would this have happened?

I suspect that most, if not all, or the coaching staff was well aware of what was going on. Also, has it been confirmed whether any of the coaches were present. According to posts in other forums on this site, the entire coaching staff is currently on administrative leave. Either way, I do not think that having more coach practices would have avoided this situation, this is a cultural issue.

[Laxguy456]

Thanks for posting this...was going to post my way to early NESCAC rankings yesterday...

Hope all the players impacted make a speedy recovery.

Now that all of Jumbos are out of the hospital and hopefully on the road to full recovery. We are in fall and all NESCAC teams have begun their fall practices, I thought it was a suitable time for way-to-early NESCAC rankings to talk about lacrosse.

Assumptions and information utilized:
• Team websites
• Statistics are regular season only – so 14 or 15 games - Notable are leaders statistically
• Assumes Seniors /Grad students are not doing a Graduate year (already some exceptions noted – please correct if you have inside information)
• 2025 Freshmen are not factored into the analysis
• Watching 2024 games
• Transfers not factored into the analysis

Pre-Season Rankings
1. Tufts
2. Amherst
3. Middlebury
4. Hamilton
5. Wesleyan
6. Connecticut College
7. Bowdoin
8. Williams
9. Trinity
10. Colby
11. Bates

These rankings are subject to change as more information about rosters, freshmen, Super-Seniors and transfers comes to light, but based on 2024 performances and returning talent, this is where I believe each team stands heading into 2025.

Supporting Information:

1. Tufts enters the 2025 season as the reigning national champions, coming off a stellar 2024 campaign with a 9-1 conference record and a 4-1 non-conference record. Their strength of schedule was ranked 1st in the NESCAC, with the team facing eight top-20 opponents, including notable out-of-conference matchups against #3 Christopher Newport University and #4 Rochester Institute of Technology.
The Jumbos are in a strong position for 2025, despite losing eight seniors (I assume Goalie Connor Garzone is back for 2025). With no major losses in key contributors, they return an elite core of players on both sides of the ball, maintaining a solid balance between offense, defense, and face-offs.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Jack Regnery (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA First Team All-American), Max Ettinghausen, and Brooks Hauser accounted for 49% of the team's goals and 47% of the assists in 2024, making them the backbone of the attack unit. Didn’t even mention #7 (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Second Team All-American) or Garrett Kelly (All-NESCAC Second Team)
• Defense:
o Joey Waldbaum (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), Ben Frisoli, and Michael Ayers are defensive standouts, contributing 36% of the caused turnovers (CTs) and 21% of ground balls (GBs), ensuring stability on the defensive end.
• Face-Offs:
o Parker Merril and Victor Salcedo won 59% of face-offs, providing possession advantages throughout the season.

Given their talent, depth, and returning star players, Tufts is poised to reclaim the NESCAC title and potentially repeat as national champions, with the team widely expected to be ranked #1 in the nation for the preseason.

2. Amherst finished the 2024 season with a 6-4 conference record and a strong 4-1 non-conference record. The Mammoths faced a tough schedule, ranked 3rd in strength of schedule in the NESCAC, as they battled seven top-20 teams, including tough out-of-conference competition like #9 Gettysburg and #10 Lynchburg. Despite the challenging schedule, Amherst maintained a national ranking of 18th by Inside Lacrosse and 19th by USILA. However, they were eliminated by Middlebury in the first round of the NESCAC tournament.

Key Losses:
• Offense: Jake Bennett, who contributed 10% of the team's goals and 20% of assists, will be missed for his playmaking abilities.
• Defense: Ryan Rahbany and Louie Adams (All-NESCAC Second Team) were key defensive contributors, responsible for 20% of caused turnovers and 11% of ground balls.

Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Brendan Reilly (NESCAC Rookie of the year) and Bob Gross (All-NESCAC First Team) who were the top two point-getters for Amherst in 2024, are poised to lead the offense. They accounted for 59% of the team's goals and 41% of assists. Alex Giacobbe (All-NESCAC Second Team) adds more offensive firepower, and Coach Wood will likely center the offense around these core players, especially rising sophomore Reilly.
• Defense:
o Thompson Lau (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Long Stick Midfielder of the Year), Matthew Sheinberg (All-NESCAC Second Team), and Lawson Laverty (All-NESCAC First Team) will anchor the defense, returning after accounting for 35% of caused turnovers and 24% of ground balls. Their defensive presence will be key as Amherst looks to improve its transition play.
• Face-Offs:
o Nicholas Kopp (All-NESCAC Second Team), who won 54% of his face-offs, will continue to be a crucial part of Amherst's game, giving them valuable possession control.

Coach Wood has a solid foundation in the returning offensive talent, and with a balanced defensive core, Amherst will aim to improve on their 2024 performance. The challenge will be integrating new players into key roles, but the team has the talent to compete for the NESCAC title in 2025.

3. Middlebury had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 6-4 conference record and a 2-3 non-conference mark, facing a highly competitive schedule ranked 4th in difficulty in the NESCAC. They competed against seven top-20 teams, including tough out-of-conference opponents such as #12 Union and #15 RPI. The Panthers ended the season ranked 10th by Inside Lacrosse and 11th by USILA, securing a runner-up finish in the NESCAC.

However, Middlebury faces a significant transition in 2025, as they lose 11 seniors to graduation, including key offensive contributors and defensive players. Despite these losses, the team still has a strong core returning.

Key Losses:
• Offense: William Ryan and Tom Conley, who combined for 23% of the team's goals and 17% of assists, will be missed.
• Defense: Luke Simpson, who contributed 5% of caused turnovers, departs.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Russell Thorndike, Billy Curtis, and Logan White will lead the offense, having accounted for 40% of goals and 42% of assists in 2024. Their experience will be critical in maintaining scoring efficiency.
• Defense:
o Goalie Hayden Kern, along with JD Farkas and Nate Ruoss, bring back stability on defense. Together, they were responsible for 31% of caused turnovers and 23% of ground balls. Not to mention Henry Tarr (All-NESCAC Second Team, USILA Third Team All-American)…
• Face-Offs:
o William Munroe, who won 48% of face-offs, will look to improve and give the Panthers crucial possession control.

Middlebury’s 2024 squad was noted for its athleticism, and the 2025 team will aim to build on that foundation. If the returning players step up and fill the gaps left by departing seniors, Middlebury could once again be a serious contender in the NESCAC.

4. Hamilton wrapped up their 2024 season with a 4-6 conference record and a solid 3-1 non-conference record. With a strength of schedule ranked 5th in the NESCAC, they faced significant competition, playing five top-20 teams, including #10 Lynchburg as their toughest out-of-conference opponent. Hamilton, ranked 18th by USILA, delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season by defeating the defending champion Tufts Jumbos in the first round of the NESCAC tournament before falling to Wesleyan in the semifinals.
Key Losses:
• Offense: Christian Byrne, who accounted for 5% of the team’s goals and 9% of assists, will leave a small gap on the offensive end.
• Defense: Carter Hampson was responsible for 7% of caused turnovers and 5% of ground balls, and his presence on defense will be missed.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Thomas Healy (All-NESCAC Second Team), Will Heher (All-NESCAC Second Team), and Frank Coyle return as offensive leaders, having contributed 45% of the team's goals and 38% of assists in 2024. These three players will be essential in driving Hamilton's attack next season. Not to mention Justin Pearl All-NESCAC Second Team…
• Defense:
o Jack Fried (Goalie - All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Second Team All-American), Jake Mair and Jayme Wilde will be key defensive pieces, with Wilde expected to return from injury. Together, they provided 6% of caused turnovers and 8% of ground balls.
• Face-Offs:
o Reece Hickey, who won 53% of his face-offs, will continue to be an important asset for gaining possession and setting up Hamilton's offense.

Coach Barnard will aim to build on their successful 2024 campaign, particularly their impressive upset over Tufts, as they look to push deeper into the NESCAC tournament in 2025. The returning core provides a solid foundation to improve upon their performance and secure a higher placement next season.

5. Wesleyan had an impressive 2024 lacrosse season, finishing with an 8-2 conference record and 4-1 out-of-conference mark, along with a 6th-ranked strength of schedule in the NESCAC. They faced tough competition, including five top-20 teams, with their top OOC opponent being #17 Stevens. Ranked 7th in both Inside Lacrosse and USILA polls, Wesleyan also secured the NESCAC Championship.

The 2025 season will be challenging as the Cardinals are losing 11 seniors and super-seniors, including key offensive players like CK Giancola (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA First Team All-American), Justin Hazard, and DJ Dixon (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), who accounted for 37% of the team’s goals and 21% of assists. The team was largely led by its upperclassmen in 2024, meaning that a significant offensive rebuild is necessary. However, rumors suggest that some graduate player(s)(All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American – Jack Rabba) may return, which could help offset the losses.

Key returners on offense include Ben Burns (All-NESCAC Second Team), James Bailey, and Charlie Knapp, who collectively contributed 28% of the team's goals and 23% of its assists. Defensively, Joe Hurton, Emmett Schillinger, and Charlie Silver are expected to anchor the backline, having been responsible for 35% of caused turnovers and 20% of the team’s ground balls. Faceoff specialist Jackson Tinari, who won 52% of his draws, will also return, giving Wesleyan an edge at the X.

The outlook for Wesleyan’s 2025 season remains uncertain, especially with their reliance on graduate players and the need to reload offensively. Their potential to defend their NESCAC title will become clearer once the roster is finalized.

6. Connecticut College had a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 1-9 conference record despite a perfect 4-0 non-conference slate. Their strength of schedule was tied for 7th in the NESCAC, with games against four top-20 teams (NESCAC opponents). The Camels underperformed, and personnel decisions made by Coach Nagle contributed to their struggles.
Key Losses:
• Offense:
o Bobby Chang, Jack Tenzer: Together, they accounted for 19% of the team’s goals and 18% of assists, creating a gap that needs filling in 2025.
• Defense:
o Will Rice (Goalie), Henry Cabot: Will Rice played almost every minute in 2024, and losing such a consistent presence in goal is a major blow. Cabot was responsible for 15% of caused turnovers and 11% of ground balls, leaving another hole in the defensive unit.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Liam Horkan, Aidan McAvoy, JJ Ford: This trio contributed 45% of the team’s goals and 39% of assists, forming a solid offensive foundation for 2025.
• Defense:
o Zach Bucher, Nick McLaughlin, Myles Newport: They combined for 26% of the team’s caused turnovers and 20% of ground balls, making them key players for shoring up a defense that needs improvement.
• Face-offs:
o Aidan Gaudet: With a 48% face-off win rate, Gaudet will be crucial for possession in the upcoming season.

Focus for 2025:
• Personnel Adjustments on Defense: Finding a reliable goalie will be crucial after the loss of Will Rice, and Coach Nagle will need to solidify the close defense. A suggested lineup includes #6, #47, and moving #1 back to Close D from SSDM. Shifting #1 from LSM to SSDM in 2024 -resulted in 11 fewer ground balls, 10 fewer caused turnovers, and 10 more turnovers year-over-year. The decision to play freshman #28 at close defense when he may be better suited as an LSM highlights a key area for adjustment.
• Offensive Efficiency: The Camels struggled with shooting in 2024, ranking 10th in the NESCAC. Addressing Coach Nagle's personnel choices, like benching experienced seniors, will also be critical for the team's improvement next season. Improving shot selection and finding more scoring opportunities in transition will be key to climbing up the standings. They were last in scoring, so boosting their offensive output will be crucial for success in 2025.

Coach Nagle’s ability to make smart adjustments will determine if the Camels can turn things around in the tough NESCAC conference. Nagle has the personnel to perform in the NESCAC and have to believe the Camels will be looking for a new leader in 2026 if Nagle can’t coach to his D1 pedigree.

7. Bowdoin had a strong 2024 lacrosse season, finishing with an 8-2 conference record and a 2-2 non-conference mark. However, the Polar Bears ranked 8th in strength of schedule in the NESCAC, they faced four top-20 teams, including #20 Babson as their top non-conference opponent. However, the Polar Bears are heading into the 2025 season facing significant roster losses, with 18 seniors graduating, including two All-NESCAC First Team and USILA First Team All-Americans (Will Byrne and Zack Goorno) and All-NESCAC First Team, Second Team All-American faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard.

Key losses for Bowdoin are substantial, especially on offense and defense:
• Offensively, Will Byrne, Oliver Bernstein (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), and Matt Ward are departing, taking with them 36% of the team’s goals and 56% of its assists.
• Defensively, the team will miss Zack Goorno, Harp Lane, and Nate Ryan (All-NESCAC Second Team), who were responsible for 37% of caused turnovers and 21% of the team’s ground balls.
• Faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard, who won an impressive 61% of his draws, is another major loss that will affect possession.
Despite these departures, Bowdoin has some key returners for the 2025 season:
• Offensively, Jason Lach (All-NESCAC First Team), Casey Ryan, and Sam Raye-Steiner will need to step up, as they accounted for 42% of the team’s goals and 25% of the assists in 2024.
• Defensively, Jed Hoggard (All-NESCAC First Team) and Jack Pyne will be relied upon to anchor the defense, having contributed 20% of caused turnovers and 10% of ground balls. Also returning All-NESCAC Second Team goalie Robert Hobbs.

Coach Mason faces a significant challenge in replacing the production of so many key players, particularly on offense and at the faceoff X. However, with a strong returning core, Bowdoin is expected to remain competitive and should still make the NESCAC tournament. The development of the returning players and how effectively they can fill the gaps left by the All-star seniors will be crucial to their success in 2025.

8. Williams had a solid 2024 lacrosse season, finishing 6-4 in conference and 3-2 in non-conference play. However, they face the challenge of replacing 12 seniors heading into the 2025 season, including key offensive and defensive contributors.
Key losses:
• On offense, the departures of Calvin Caputo (All-NESCAC First Team), Pearse Glavin, and Finlay MacKnight will be significant, as they accounted for 47% of the team's goals and 45% of its assists.
• On defense, Patrick Gaul’s (All-NESCAC First Team) departure leaves a gap, as he contributed 20% of the team’s caused turnovers and 7% of its ground balls.
Notable returners:
• Offensively, Will Doran, Ryan Johnson, and Harrison Cross are poised to take on larger roles after combining for 24% of the team's goals and 23% of its assists in 2024.
• Defensively, Drew Nicholson and Aidan Housenbold return, responsible for 23% of caused turnovers and 14% of the team’s ground balls.
• Faceoff specialist Ian Kim, who won 44% of his draws, will return but will need to improve, as Williams ranked last in the NESCAC in faceoff percentage.

Outlook: Coach McCormack’s biggest challenge for 2025 will be addressing the offensive void left by the seniors and improving at the faceoff X. With the Ephs finishing last in faceoff percentage in 2024, they will need significant improvement in possession to compete more effectively. Loading up a tough non-conference schedule again, as they did in 2024, could provide valuable experience and help the offense develop during the season. Williams’ success in 2025 will hinge on finding new offensive leaders and improving in key areas like faceoffs, but their returning core provides a foundation to remain competitive in the NESCAC.

9. Trinity had a mixed 2024 season, ending with a .500 record in conference play (5-5) and a respectable non-conference showing (3-2). Their strength of schedule, tied for 7th in the NESCAC, is notable, as they faced four of the top 20 teams, including four other NESCAC squads, which likely contributed to the team's uneven performance.
Key Losses:
• Matt Pecora: A solid contributor on offense, accounting for 12% of the team’s goals and 10% of the assists. His absence will be felt, though the team retains a significant portion of their offensive firepower.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Jay Ottomanelli, Bo Page, Jon Krikorian: This trio is returning with a combined contribution of 40% of the team's goals and 39% of assists. Their experience and chemistry could be pivotal in the 2025 season.
• Defense:
o John Cowdrick (All-NESCAC Second Team), Carter Barford: A crucial part of the defensive unit, they were responsible for 35% of caused turnovers and 20% of ground balls. They’ll need to lead a defense that should be more disciplined and focused in the coming season. The Bantams will be backstopped by All-NESCAC Second Team goalie Jordan Opdahl.
• Face-offs:
o Hayden Shin: With a face-off win percentage of 54%, Shin is a key player at the X, and maintaining or improving his win rate will be important to controlling possession.

Key Questions for 2025:
• Consistency: Coach Tarnow saw the Bantams rally for a 5-game winning streak late in the 2024 season, showing what they’re capable of when everything clicks. The challenge will be maintaining that level of play across the entire season.
• Discipline: Trinity was the most penalized team in the NESCAC last season. Reducing penalties will be crucial to staying competitive in a tough conference.

If the Bantams can build off their late-season momentum, retain discipline, and get solid contributions from their returning core, they have a chance to improve on their 2024 results.

10. Colby struggled in the 2024 season, finishing with a 2-8 conference record despite a perfect 4-0 non-conference showing. They faced a tough schedule, tied for 7th in difficulty of the NESCAC teams, with four games against top-20 teams. The Mules will need to make significant strides, especially on offense, to compete more effectively in the NESCAC in 2025.
Key Losses:
• Doug McCarthy: A significant offensive contributor, responsible for 19% of goals and 9% of assists. His departure leaves a gap that must be filled by returning players.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Gavin Rothenberg, Bennett Goller, Cormac O'Neill: These three players return with 41% of the team's goals and nearly half of the assists. They will be crucial in driving the team's offensive improvements.
• Defense:
o Jackson Alvord, Matt Murer: Alvord and Murer accounted for 20% of the team's caused turnovers and 13% of ground balls, providing leadership on defense.
• Face-offs:
o Justin Turley: Turley’s face-off win rate of 52% will be key for gaining possession and dictating the tempo in games.

Key Focus for 2025:
• Offensive Improvement: Colby had the fewest shots per game and shots on goal in the 2024 season, limiting their scoring opportunities. With McCarthy’s departure, the returning offensive core will need to increase shot volume and create more scoring chances. Improving offensive pace and efficiency will be a priority.

If the Mules can generate more offensive opportunities while maintaining solid defense and face-off control, they could bounce back from their 2024 struggles and become more competitive in the tough NESCAC.

11. Bates had a difficult 2024 season, finishing winless in the NESCAC (0-10) but showing some promise with a 3-2 non-conference record. The team faced a challenging schedule, tied for 7th in strength, including four matchups against top-20 teams. As Coach Annino enters his third year, the Bobcats will aim to secure their first NESCAC win in 2025 (last win in 2022).
Key Losses:
• Wil Masterson: A key offensive player who contributed 14% of the team's goals and assists, his departure leaves a noticeable gap in production.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Gray Doyle, Riley McClure, Connor Hartman: These three players combined for 41% of the team's goals and 38% of assists, giving the Bobcats a solid core to build around on offense.
• Defense:
o Ben Miller, Benjamin Kondner: These defensive anchors were responsible for 37% of the team's caused turnovers and 15% of ground balls, ensuring a strong presence on the back end.
• Face-offs:
o Miles Schmidt: Schmidt won 52% of his face-offs, which will be crucial to giving the Bobcats possession and opportunities to control games.

Focus for 2025:
• Breaking the 2-year NESCAC Winless Streak: With a returning offensive core and strong defense, Coach Annino will look to secure the team’s first conference win in 2 years. Improvement in execution, consistency, and face-off dominance will be critical to turning things around in the highly competitive NESCAC.

If Bates can leverage their returning talent and make adjustments, they stand a chance to improve and compete more effectively in 2025.

Let the 2025 NESCAC conversation begin!

[Can Opener]

Thanks for putting this together. Great stuff. Probably a little homerism with your CC pick, but hey, if you're putting in the work, I'm all for some editorial license!!! :-)

[smoova]

Let the 2025 NESCAC conversation begin!

Nicely done - thank you!

[justanotherperson]

Nicely done. What a great effort and analysis and objective as well. I would have though Wes and Bow a little higher but by your logic, I can't disagree with your placement. I cant figure out Hamilton. There will also be the inevitable chatter of CC and Trin; if this is their year.

Thank you!

[nehslaxfan]

Thanks for posting this...was going to post my way to early NESCAC rankings yesterday...

Hope all the players impacted make a speedy recovery.

Now that all of Jumbos are out of the hospital and hopefully on the road to full recovery. We are in fall and all NESCAC teams have begun their fall practices, I thought it was a suitable time for way-to-early NESCAC rankings to talk about lacrosse.

Assumptions and information utilized:
• Team websites
• Statistics are regular season only – so 14 or 15 games - Notable are leaders statistically
• Assumes Seniors /Grad students are not doing a Graduate year (already some exceptions noted – please correct if you have inside information)
• 2025 Freshmen are not factored into the analysis
• Watching 2024 games
• Transfers not factored into the analysis

Pre-Season Rankings
1. Tufts
2. Amherst
3. Middlebury
4. Hamilton
5. Wesleyan
6. Connecticut College
7. Bowdoin
8. Williams
9. Trinity
10. Colby
11. Bates

These rankings are subject to change as more information about rosters, freshmen, Super-Seniors and transfers comes to light, but based on 2024 performances and returning talent, this is where I believe each team stands heading into 2025.

Supporting Information:

1. Tufts enters the 2025 season as the reigning national champions, coming off a stellar 2024 campaign with a 9-1 conference record and a 4-1 non-conference record. Their strength of schedule was ranked 1st in the NESCAC, with the team facing eight top-20 opponents, including notable out-of-conference matchups against #3 Christopher Newport University and #4 Rochester Institute of Technology.
The Jumbos are in a strong position for 2025, despite losing eight seniors (I assume Goalie Connor Garzone is back for 2025). With no major losses in key contributors, they return an elite core of players on both sides of the ball, maintaining a solid balance between offense, defense, and face-offs.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Jack Regnery (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA First Team All-American), Max Ettinghausen, and Brooks Hauser accounted for 49% of the team's goals and 47% of the assists in 2024, making them the backbone of the attack unit. Didn’t even mention #7 (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Second Team All-American) or Garrett Kelly (All-NESCAC Second Team)
• Defense:
o Joey Waldbaum (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), Ben Frisoli, and Michael Ayers are defensive standouts, contributing 36% of the caused turnovers (CTs) and 21% of ground balls (GBs), ensuring stability on the defensive end.
• Face-Offs:
o Parker Merril and Victor Salcedo won 59% of face-offs, providing possession advantages throughout the season.

Given their talent, depth, and returning star players, Tufts is poised to reclaim the NESCAC title and potentially repeat as national champions, with the team widely expected to be ranked #1 in the nation for the preseason.

2. Amherst finished the 2024 season with a 6-4 conference record and a strong 4-1 non-conference record. The Mammoths faced a tough schedule, ranked 3rd in strength of schedule in the NESCAC, as they battled seven top-20 teams, including tough out-of-conference competition like #9 Gettysburg and #10 Lynchburg. Despite the challenging schedule, Amherst maintained a national ranking of 18th by Inside Lacrosse and 19th by USILA. However, they were eliminated by Middlebury in the first round of the NESCAC tournament.

Key Losses:
• Offense: Jake Bennett, who contributed 10% of the team's goals and 20% of assists, will be missed for his playmaking abilities.
• Defense: Ryan Rahbany and Louie Adams (All-NESCAC Second Team) were key defensive contributors, responsible for 20% of caused turnovers and 11% of ground balls.

Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Brendan Reilly (NESCAC Rookie of the year) and Bob Gross (All-NESCAC First Team) who were the top two point-getters for Amherst in 2024, are poised to lead the offense. They accounted for 59% of the team's goals and 41% of assists. Alex Giacobbe (All-NESCAC Second Team) adds more offensive firepower, and Coach Wood will likely center the offense around these core players, especially rising sophomore Reilly.
• Defense:
o Thompson Lau (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Long Stick Midfielder of the Year), Matthew Sheinberg (All-NESCAC Second Team), and Lawson Laverty (All-NESCAC First Team) will anchor the defense, returning after accounting for 35% of caused turnovers and 24% of ground balls. Their defensive presence will be key as Amherst looks to improve its transition play.
• Face-Offs:
o Nicholas Kopp (All-NESCAC Second Team), who won 54% of his face-offs, will continue to be a crucial part of Amherst's game, giving them valuable possession control.

Coach Wood has a solid foundation in the returning offensive talent, and with a balanced defensive core, Amherst will aim to improve on their 2024 performance. The challenge will be integrating new players into key roles, but the team has the talent to compete for the NESCAC title in 2025.

3. Middlebury had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 6-4 conference record and a 2-3 non-conference mark, facing a highly competitive schedule ranked 4th in difficulty in the NESCAC. They competed against seven top-20 teams, including tough out-of-conference opponents such as #12 Union and #15 RPI. The Panthers ended the season ranked 10th by Inside Lacrosse and 11th by USILA, securing a runner-up finish in the NESCAC.

However, Middlebury faces a significant transition in 2025, as they lose 11 seniors to graduation, including key offensive contributors and defensive players. Despite these losses, the team still has a strong core returning.

Key Losses:
• Offense: William Ryan and Tom Conley, who combined for 23% of the team's goals and 17% of assists, will be missed.
• Defense: Luke Simpson, who contributed 5% of caused turnovers, departs.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Russell Thorndike, Billy Curtis, and Logan White will lead the offense, having accounted for 40% of goals and 42% of assists in 2024. Their experience will be critical in maintaining scoring efficiency.
• Defense:
o Goalie Hayden Kern, along with JD Farkas and Nate Ruoss, bring back stability on defense. Together, they were responsible for 31% of caused turnovers and 23% of ground balls. Not to mention Henry Tarr (All-NESCAC Second Team, USILA Third Team All-American)…
• Face-Offs:
o William Munroe, who won 48% of face-offs, will look to improve and give the Panthers crucial possession control.

Middlebury’s 2024 squad was noted for its athleticism, and the 2025 team will aim to build on that foundation. If the returning players step up and fill the gaps left by departing seniors, Middlebury could once again be a serious contender in the NESCAC.

4. Hamilton wrapped up their 2024 season with a 4-6 conference record and a solid 3-1 non-conference record. With a strength of schedule ranked 5th in the NESCAC, they faced significant competition, playing five top-20 teams, including #10 Lynchburg as their toughest out-of-conference opponent. Hamilton, ranked 18th by USILA, delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season by defeating the defending champion Tufts Jumbos in the first round of the NESCAC tournament before falling to Wesleyan in the semifinals.
Key Losses:
• Offense: Christian Byrne, who accounted for 5% of the team’s goals and 9% of assists, will leave a small gap on the offensive end.
• Defense: Carter Hampson was responsible for 7% of caused turnovers and 5% of ground balls, and his presence on defense will be missed.
Key Returners:
• Offense:
o Thomas Healy (All-NESCAC Second Team), Will Heher (All-NESCAC Second Team), and Frank Coyle return as offensive leaders, having contributed 45% of the team's goals and 38% of assists in 2024. These three players will be essential in driving Hamilton's attack next season. Not to mention Justin Pearl All-NESCAC Second Team…
• Defense:
o Jack Fried (Goalie - All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Second Team All-American), Jake Mair and Jayme Wilde will be key defensive pieces, with Wilde expected to return from injury. Together, they provided 6% of caused turnovers and 8% of ground balls.
• Face-Offs:
o Reece Hickey, who won 53% of his face-offs, will continue to be an important asset for gaining possession and setting up Hamilton's offense.

Coach Barnard will aim to build on their successful 2024 campaign, particularly their impressive upset over Tufts, as they look to push deeper into the NESCAC tournament in 2025. The returning core provides a solid foundation to improve upon their performance and secure a higher placement next season.

5. Wesleyan had an impressive 2024 lacrosse season, finishing with an 8-2 conference record and 4-1 out-of-conference mark, along with a 6th-ranked strength of schedule in the NESCAC. They faced tough competition, including five top-20 teams, with their top OOC opponent being #17 Stevens. Ranked 7th in both Inside Lacrosse and USILA polls, Wesleyan also secured the NESCAC Championship.

The 2025 season will be challenging as the Cardinals are losing 11 seniors and super-seniors, including key offensive players like CK Giancola (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA First Team All-American), Justin Hazard, and DJ Dixon (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), who accounted for 37% of the team’s goals and 21% of assists. The team was largely led by its upperclassmen in 2024, meaning that a significant offensive rebuild is necessary. However, rumors suggest that some graduate player(s)(All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American – Jack Rabba) may return, which could help offset the losses.

Key returners on offense include Ben Burns (All-NESCAC Second Team), James Bailey, and Charlie Knapp, who collectively contributed 28% of the team's goals and 23% of its assists. Defensively, Joe Hurton, Emmett Schillinger, and Charlie Silver are expected to anchor the backline, having been responsible for 35% of caused turnovers and 20% of the team’s ground balls. Faceoff specialist Jackson Tinari, who won 52% of his draws, will also return, giving Wesleyan an edge at the X.

The outlook for Wesleyan’s 2025 season remains uncertain, especially with their reliance on graduate players and the need to reload offensively. Their potential to defend their NESCAC title will become clearer once the roster is finalized.

6. Connecticut College had a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 1-9 conference record despite a perfect 4-0 non-conference slate. Their strength of schedule was tied for 7th in the NESCAC, with games against four top-20 teams (NESCAC opponents). The Camels underperformed, and personnel decisions made by Coach Nagle contributed to their struggles.
Key Losses:
• Offense:
o Bobby Chang, Jack Tenzer: Together, they accounted for 19% of the team’s goals and 18% of assists, creating a gap that needs filling in 2025.
• Defense:
o Will Rice (Goalie), Henry Cabot: Will Rice played almost every minute in 2024, and losing such a consistent presence in goal is a major blow. Cabot was responsible for 15% of caused turnovers and 11% of ground balls, leaving another hole in the defensive unit.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Liam Horkan, Aidan McAvoy, JJ Ford: This trio contributed 45% of the team’s goals and 39% of assists, forming a solid offensive foundation for 2025.
• Defense:
o Zach Bucher, Nick McLaughlin, Myles Newport: They combined for 26% of the team’s caused turnovers and 20% of ground balls, making them key players for shoring up a defense that needs improvement.
• Face-offs:
o Aidan Gaudet: With a 48% face-off win rate, Gaudet will be crucial for possession in the upcoming season.

Focus for 2025:
• Personnel Adjustments on Defense: Finding a reliable goalie will be crucial after the loss of Will Rice, and Coach Nagle will need to solidify the close defense. A suggested lineup includes #6, #47, and moving #1 back to Close D from SSDM. Shifting #1 from LSM to SSDM in 2024 -resulted in 11 fewer ground balls, 10 fewer caused turnovers, and 10 more turnovers year-over-year. The decision to play freshman #28 at close defense when he may be better suited as an LSM highlights a key area for adjustment.
• Offensive Efficiency: The Camels struggled with shooting in 2024, ranking 10th in the NESCAC. Addressing Coach Nagle's personnel choices, like benching experienced seniors, will also be critical for the team's improvement next season. Improving shot selection and finding more scoring opportunities in transition will be key to climbing up the standings. They were last in scoring, so boosting their offensive output will be crucial for success in 2025.

Coach Nagle’s ability to make smart adjustments will determine if the Camels can turn things around in the tough NESCAC conference. Nagle has the personnel to perform in the NESCAC and have to believe the Camels will be looking for a new leader in 2026 if Nagle can’t coach to his D1 pedigree.

7. Bowdoin had a strong 2024 lacrosse season, finishing with an 8-2 conference record and a 2-2 non-conference mark. However, the Polar Bears ranked 8th in strength of schedule in the NESCAC, they faced four top-20 teams, including #20 Babson as their top non-conference opponent. However, the Polar Bears are heading into the 2025 season facing significant roster losses, with 18 seniors graduating, including two All-NESCAC First Team and USILA First Team All-Americans (Will Byrne and Zack Goorno) and All-NESCAC First Team, Second Team All-American faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard.

Key losses for Bowdoin are substantial, especially on offense and defense:
• Offensively, Will Byrne, Oliver Bernstein (All-NESCAC First Team, USILA Third Team All-American), and Matt Ward are departing, taking with them 36% of the team’s goals and 56% of its assists.
• Defensively, the team will miss Zack Goorno, Harp Lane, and Nate Ryan (All-NESCAC Second Team), who were responsible for 37% of caused turnovers and 21% of the team’s ground balls.
• Faceoff specialist Ethan Barnard, who won an impressive 61% of his draws, is another major loss that will affect possession.
Despite these departures, Bowdoin has some key returners for the 2025 season:
• Offensively, Jason Lach (All-NESCAC First Team), Casey Ryan, and Sam Raye-Steiner will need to step up, as they accounted for 42% of the team’s goals and 25% of the assists in 2024.
• Defensively, Jed Hoggard (All-NESCAC First Team) and Jack Pyne will be relied upon to anchor the defense, having contributed 20% of caused turnovers and 10% of ground balls. Also returning All-NESCAC Second Team goalie Robert Hobbs.

Coach Mason faces a significant challenge in replacing the production of so many key players, particularly on offense and at the faceoff X. However, with a strong returning core, Bowdoin is expected to remain competitive and should still make the NESCAC tournament. The development of the returning players and how effectively they can fill the gaps left by the All-star seniors will be crucial to their success in 2025.

8. Williams had a solid 2024 lacrosse season, finishing 6-4 in conference and 3-2 in non-conference play. However, they face the challenge of replacing 12 seniors heading into the 2025 season, including key offensive and defensive contributors.
Key losses:
• On offense, the departures of Calvin Caputo (All-NESCAC First Team), Pearse Glavin, and Finlay MacKnight will be significant, as they accounted for 47% of the team's goals and 45% of its assists.
• On defense, Patrick Gaul’s (All-NESCAC First Team) departure leaves a gap, as he contributed 20% of the team’s caused turnovers and 7% of its ground balls.
Notable returners:
• Offensively, Will Doran, Ryan Johnson, and Harrison Cross are poised to take on larger roles after combining for 24% of the team's goals and 23% of its assists in 2024.
• Defensively, Drew Nicholson and Aidan Housenbold return, responsible for 23% of caused turnovers and 14% of the team’s ground balls.
• Faceoff specialist Ian Kim, who won 44% of his draws, will return but will need to improve, as Williams ranked last in the NESCAC in faceoff percentage.

Outlook: Coach McCormack’s biggest challenge for 2025 will be addressing the offensive void left by the seniors and improving at the faceoff X. With the Ephs finishing last in faceoff percentage in 2024, they will need significant improvement in possession to compete more effectively. Loading up a tough non-conference schedule again, as they did in 2024, could provide valuable experience and help the offense develop during the season. Williams’ success in 2025 will hinge on finding new offensive leaders and improving in key areas like faceoffs, but their returning core provides a foundation to remain competitive in the NESCAC.

9. Trinity had a mixed 2024 season, ending with a .500 record in conference play (5-5) and a respectable non-conference showing (3-2). Their strength of schedule, tied for 7th in the NESCAC, is notable, as they faced four of the top 20 teams, including four other NESCAC squads, which likely contributed to the team's uneven performance.
Key Losses:
• Matt Pecora: A solid contributor on offense, accounting for 12% of the team’s goals and 10% of the assists. His absence will be felt, though the team retains a significant portion of their offensive firepower.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Jay Ottomanelli, Bo Page, Jon Krikorian: This trio is returning with a combined contribution of 40% of the team's goals and 39% of assists. Their experience and chemistry could be pivotal in the 2025 season.
• Defense:
o John Cowdrick (All-NESCAC Second Team), Carter Barford: A crucial part of the defensive unit, they were responsible for 35% of caused turnovers and 20% of ground balls. They’ll need to lead a defense that should be more disciplined and focused in the coming season. The Bantams will be backstopped by All-NESCAC Second Team goalie Jordan Opdahl.
• Face-offs:
o Hayden Shin: With a face-off win percentage of 54%, Shin is a key player at the X, and maintaining or improving his win rate will be important to controlling possession.

Key Questions for 2025:
• Consistency: Coach Tarnow saw the Bantams rally for a 5-game winning streak late in the 2024 season, showing what they’re capable of when everything clicks. The challenge will be maintaining that level of play across the entire season.
• Discipline: Trinity was the most penalized team in the NESCAC last season. Reducing penalties will be crucial to staying competitive in a tough conference.

If the Bantams can build off their late-season momentum, retain discipline, and get solid contributions from their returning core, they have a chance to improve on their 2024 results.

10. Colby struggled in the 2024 season, finishing with a 2-8 conference record despite a perfect 4-0 non-conference showing. They faced a tough schedule, tied for 7th in difficulty of the NESCAC teams, with four games against top-20 teams. The Mules will need to make significant strides, especially on offense, to compete more effectively in the NESCAC in 2025.
Key Losses:
• Doug McCarthy: A significant offensive contributor, responsible for 19% of goals and 9% of assists. His departure leaves a gap that must be filled by returning players.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Gavin Rothenberg, Bennett Goller, Cormac O'Neill: These three players return with 41% of the team's goals and nearly half of the assists. They will be crucial in driving the team's offensive improvements.
• Defense:
o Jackson Alvord, Matt Murer: Alvord and Murer accounted for 20% of the team's caused turnovers and 13% of ground balls, providing leadership on defense.
• Face-offs:
o Justin Turley: Turley’s face-off win rate of 52% will be key for gaining possession and dictating the tempo in games.

Key Focus for 2025:
• Offensive Improvement: Colby had the fewest shots per game and shots on goal in the 2024 season, limiting their scoring opportunities. With McCarthy’s departure, the returning offensive core will need to increase shot volume and create more scoring chances. Improving offensive pace and efficiency will be a priority.

If the Mules can generate more offensive opportunities while maintaining solid defense and face-off control, they could bounce back from their 2024 struggles and become more competitive in the tough NESCAC.

11. Bates had a difficult 2024 season, finishing winless in the NESCAC (0-10) but showing some promise with a 3-2 non-conference record. The team faced a challenging schedule, tied for 7th in strength, including four matchups against top-20 teams. As Coach Annino enters his third year, the Bobcats will aim to secure their first NESCAC win in 2025 (last win in 2022).
Key Losses:
• Wil Masterson: A key offensive player who contributed 14% of the team's goals and assists, his departure leaves a noticeable gap in production.
Notable Returners:
• Offense:
o Gray Doyle, Riley McClure, Connor Hartman: These three players combined for 41% of the team's goals and 38% of assists, giving the Bobcats a solid core to build around on offense.
• Defense:
o Ben Miller, Benjamin Kondner: These defensive anchors were responsible for 37% of the team's caused turnovers and 15% of ground balls, ensuring a strong presence on the back end.
• Face-offs:
o Miles Schmidt: Schmidt won 52% of his face-offs, which will be crucial to giving the Bobcats possession and opportunities to control games.

Focus for 2025:
• Breaking the 2-year NESCAC Winless Streak: With a returning offensive core and strong defense, Coach Annino will look to secure the team’s first conference win in 2 years. Improvement in execution, consistency, and face-off dominance will be critical to turning things around in the highly competitive NESCAC.

If Bates can leverage their returning talent and make adjustments, they stand a chance to improve and compete more effectively in 2025.

Let the 2025 NESCAC conversation begin!

While your write up is extremely detailed and obviously very thorough I can’t agree with a few of your ratings. Wesleyan and Middlebury both seem a bit high based upon the losses and the fact you aren’t factoring in transfers and recruits. Can’t figure out the love for Conn, even if you have a son on the team, seems like a bit of rose colored glasses there. Also seems like Bowdoin and Trinity much to low, especially Trinity who lost very little and bring back major contributors noted by you at every level including goalie and the x and you and you still pick them to finish 9th. If you are taking best would be happy to make a wager on the under for Conn and the over for Trinity.