Photo by: Greg Vasil
Men's Lacrosse Set to Open 2026 Season at Home on Friday
2/5/2026 6:33:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
The Pioneers host Stony Brook at 2:30 pm at Campus Field
FAIRFIELD, Conn.-- The Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse team enters the 2026 season with momentum, experience, and unfinished business. Coming off back-to-back MAAC regular-season titles, the Pioneers open their 25th season of varsity men's lacrosse poised to remain among the conference's elite under the direction of long-time head coach Jon Basti.
A Statement Start
Sacred Heart opens the 2026 campaign on Friday, February 6, welcoming Stony Brook to Campus Field in the season opener for both programs. The matchup marks the 12th meeting all-time between the Pioneers and Seawolves and the fourth straight season the teams have squared off.
SHU is coming off a dramatic 7–6 overtime victory at Stony Brook last year, snapping a long drought in the series. Despite holding a 3–8 all-time record against the Seawolves, the Pioneers will look to make history by earning their first-ever home win against Stony Brook. Sacred Heart was picked third in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, and Stony Brook was selected fifth in the CAA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Leadership and Experience
Sacred Heart returns a veteran led roster with a strong senior and graduate class. Luke Catolico, Craig Daria, John Murray, and Finn Hoey have been named captains for the 2026 season, forming a balanced leadership group across all areas of the field.
At the helm is Jon Basti, now in his 13th season as head coach. Basti has guided the Pioneers through the most successful stretch in program history, including a perfect MAAC regular season in 2024, the program's first conference regular-season and postseason titles, a second consecutive MAAC regular-season championship in 2025, and a 2024 MAAC Coach of the Year honor.
Preseason Recognition
The Pioneers were well represented in preseason honors, with three players earning All-MAAC Preseason Team recognition.
John Murray– A 2025 All-MAAC First Team selection, Murray is coming off a breakout season in which he finished second on the team in goals (23), third in assists (15), and second in points (38). Known for his clutch performances, Murray delivered two overtime game-winning goals last season and recorded multi-point outings in all but one game.
Michael Amoruso– A repeat All-MAAC honoree, Amoruso anchors the defensive midfield. He ranked second on the team in ground balls (38) and fourth in caused turnovers (12) while also contributing offensively.
Mason Mac– Earning his first career All-MAAC honor, Mac appeared in every game last season and finished third on the team in caused turnovers (17), solidifying himself as a key piece in transition defense.
Sacred Heart enters 2026 having reached the MAAC Championship game in each of the last two seasons, including hosting the tournament as the top seed in 2025.
Schedule Outlook
The Pioneers' schedule features a balanced mix of challenging non-conference tests and a familiar MAAC slate designed to prepare the team for another postseason run.
February: SHU opens at home against Stony Brook before road trips to Wagner (Feb. 11) and Holy Cross (Feb. 14). Home matchups against Fairfield (Feb. 18) and a road contest at NJIT (Feb. 28) close the month.
March: MAAC play begins on March 7 against Merrimack. The Pioneers alternate home and away matchups throughout the month, facing Mount St. Mary's, Canisius, Manhattan, and closing non-conference play at Hofstra.
April: SHU hosts Quinnipiac (April 4) before road games at Siena and Marist and concludes the regular season at home against Iona (April 22).
The MAAC Championship begins on April 26, with the semifinals on April 30 and the championship game on May 2.
"We are excited about our schedule and how it lays out," said Basti. "We believe the non-conference slate will prepare us for MAAC play, with some familiar opponents and new challenges as well."
The Outlook
With championship experience, proven leadership, and consistent success in conference play, Sacred Heart enters the 2026 season with expectations that extend beyond regular-season accolades. As the Pioneers celebrate 25 years of men's lacrosse, the program's focus remains firmly on continuing success towards the top of the MAAC.
A Statement Start
Sacred Heart opens the 2026 campaign on Friday, February 6, welcoming Stony Brook to Campus Field in the season opener for both programs. The matchup marks the 12th meeting all-time between the Pioneers and Seawolves and the fourth straight season the teams have squared off.
SHU is coming off a dramatic 7–6 overtime victory at Stony Brook last year, snapping a long drought in the series. Despite holding a 3–8 all-time record against the Seawolves, the Pioneers will look to make history by earning their first-ever home win against Stony Brook. Sacred Heart was picked third in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, and Stony Brook was selected fifth in the CAA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Leadership and Experience
Sacred Heart returns a veteran led roster with a strong senior and graduate class. Luke Catolico, Craig Daria, John Murray, and Finn Hoey have been named captains for the 2026 season, forming a balanced leadership group across all areas of the field.
At the helm is Jon Basti, now in his 13th season as head coach. Basti has guided the Pioneers through the most successful stretch in program history, including a perfect MAAC regular season in 2024, the program's first conference regular-season and postseason titles, a second consecutive MAAC regular-season championship in 2025, and a 2024 MAAC Coach of the Year honor.
Preseason Recognition
The Pioneers were well represented in preseason honors, with three players earning All-MAAC Preseason Team recognition.
John Murray– A 2025 All-MAAC First Team selection, Murray is coming off a breakout season in which he finished second on the team in goals (23), third in assists (15), and second in points (38). Known for his clutch performances, Murray delivered two overtime game-winning goals last season and recorded multi-point outings in all but one game.
Michael Amoruso– A repeat All-MAAC honoree, Amoruso anchors the defensive midfield. He ranked second on the team in ground balls (38) and fourth in caused turnovers (12) while also contributing offensively.
Mason Mac– Earning his first career All-MAAC honor, Mac appeared in every game last season and finished third on the team in caused turnovers (17), solidifying himself as a key piece in transition defense.
Sacred Heart enters 2026 having reached the MAAC Championship game in each of the last two seasons, including hosting the tournament as the top seed in 2025.
Schedule Outlook
The Pioneers' schedule features a balanced mix of challenging non-conference tests and a familiar MAAC slate designed to prepare the team for another postseason run.
February: SHU opens at home against Stony Brook before road trips to Wagner (Feb. 11) and Holy Cross (Feb. 14). Home matchups against Fairfield (Feb. 18) and a road contest at NJIT (Feb. 28) close the month.
March: MAAC play begins on March 7 against Merrimack. The Pioneers alternate home and away matchups throughout the month, facing Mount St. Mary's, Canisius, Manhattan, and closing non-conference play at Hofstra.
April: SHU hosts Quinnipiac (April 4) before road games at Siena and Marist and concludes the regular season at home against Iona (April 22).
The MAAC Championship begins on April 26, with the semifinals on April 30 and the championship game on May 2.
"We are excited about our schedule and how it lays out," said Basti. "We believe the non-conference slate will prepare us for MAAC play, with some familiar opponents and new challenges as well."
The Outlook
With championship experience, proven leadership, and consistent success in conference play, Sacred Heart enters the 2026 season with expectations that extend beyond regular-season accolades. As the Pioneers celebrate 25 years of men's lacrosse, the program's focus remains firmly on continuing success towards the top of the MAAC.
Players Mentioned
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