NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – This Sunday, April 26, Quinnipiac men’s lacrosse kicks off its postseason by heading to Merrimack for the first round of the 2026 MAAC Championship.
Merrimack comes into the game with a 6-8 record, finishing 5-3 in conference play and earning the No. 4 seed. They’ve been on a roll, winning their last four games. Key players include Colin Kruger, who leads the team with 33 goals and 39 total points. They have a solid offense, ranking fifth in the MAAC for scoring.
Quinnipiac previously faced Merrimack this season on March 25 and secured a victory. Multiple players stepped up, with Nate Watson scoring three goals and quarterbacking the win. Interestingly, in their recent meetings, the road team has emerged victorious in all four encounters since 2023.
A Closer Look at Awards and Achievements
Quinnipiac has been making waves this season, earning four MAAC weekly awards. Nate Watson recently snagged Offensive Player of the Week after a standout performance against UMass Lowell. Meanwhile, goalie Evan Miner was recognized for his defensive prowess in a match against the nationally-ranked Sacred Heart.
The team has shown a well-rounded offensive attack with seven players reaching double digits in points this year. Watson leads the way with 48 total points, demonstrating exceptional skill on the field. Cole Marsala is also a key player, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Special Teams and Success Rates
Quinnipiac is impressively leading the MAAC in man-up offense at 54.2%, converting on over half of their opportunities. Additionally, they excel in causing turnovers, averaging 9.07 per game, which places them 13th in the nation, showcasing their defensive tenacity.
In terms of clearing the ball, Quinnipiac tops the MAAC with a 90.1% success rate, indicating their capability to transition effectively from defense to offense.
Recent Challenges and Resilience
The Bobcats faced a setback in their recent matchup against Manhattan, losing 10-9 in overtime despite strong performances from Johnny Karafa and Duncan Zielke. Karafa has been notable this season for his ability to score in critical moments.
Last year’s performance saw the Bobcats finish with a 2-6 record in MAAC play, but they managed to reach the MAAC Tournament semifinals. There’s hope for improvement this season with the return of key players and fresh talent.
The Coaching Impact
Mason Poli, now in his twelfth season on the coaching staff, has made a significant impact since becoming head coach. Under his guidance, the team has shown growth and potential, often ranking highly within the MAAC.
This season’s schedule includes 14 games, with six set at home. Fans will see how the Bobcats adapt and evolve as they move through the tournament, aiming for success on the field and in their quest for a championship.
For up-to-date info on Quinnipiac men’s lacrosse, check their social media @QU_MLAX or visit gobobcats.com/mlax.
