Preview: Hofstra men's lacrosse enters Battle of Long Island

The stage is set for the Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team to face Long Island rival Stony Brook University in their season finale on Saturday, April 27.

Hofstra and Stony Brook are both seeking to break away from the four-way tie for the last remaining spot in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) tournament. This could be the first time the Pride makes it to the tournament since 2021. Aside from their own contest, it comes down to scoreboard watching between Drexel University and Monmouth University, who play each other on Friday, April 26, in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

For Hofstra to make the tournament, they must defeat Stony Brook and have Monmouth beat Drexel. Doing so would make Hofstra and Monmouth tied at 3-4 in CAA standings. The hypothetical scenario works in Hofstra’s favor since the Pride has the tiebreaker over the Hawks after winning their head-to-head matchup on March 30.

For Stony Brook to make the tournament, they must defeat Hofstra, and Drexel has to win over Monmouth. Doing so would make Stony Brook and Drexel tied at 3-4 in conference standings. Similarly, the Seawolves hold the tiebreaker over the Dragons thanks to a head-to-head win on April 6.

The Pride and the Seawolves enter this contest averaging just about 12 goals per game. However, Stony Brook keeps the ball out of their net better than Hofstra: Stony Brook averages 11 goals allowed per game while the Pride allows 12. Both teams will need to rely on their star players to shine through.

For Hofstra, that’s John Madsen. Following a 21-5 victory over the Hampton Pirates, the Hofstra offense clicked in ways they haven’t in months. John Madsen leads the Pride’s offense this season with a career-high of 39 goals and nine assists. The junior from Bayport, New York, has recorded a goal in every game this season and was recognized with an award in late February.

Stony Brook’s Dylan Pallonetti leads the CAA in goals with 42. Nick Dupuis leads the conference in assists and is second in points. These two talents combined make the Seawolves’ offense quite formidable.

This comes as a repeat scenario of last year’s season finale where Stony Brook defeated Hofstra 11-10 on April 29, 2023, eliminating Hofstra from competing in the tournament.

Face-off at Stony Brook University for the most anticipated game of the season is at 12 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Matteo Bracco