UConn Lacrosse is looking to make it back to the MCLA National Tournament for the third time in program history. They made an appearance back in 2015 after winning the now defunct Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League and most recently made it in 2019 when they received an at-large bid. Jeff Lombardo will be entering his third season as head coach. This is only his second full season due to COVID-19. Lombardo started as an assistant with the team in 2015 and helped guide the Huskies in their two national tournament runs.
Head Coach: Jeff Lombardo (3rd Season)
Overall Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 0-3
Returners: Matt Stampfel (34GB, 2G) – Jack Tousignant (16G, 8A) – Ryan Whaley (13G, 10A)
Losses: Cole Accardi (2G, 1A) – Will Fiore, Harley Jeanty (2G, 1A)
Newcomers: Chris Lanzarone (Western CT Transfer) – Colin Hersam – Sam Siblia
The 2022 season started off well with wins over eventual CLC DII runner-up Bridgewater State and Central Connecticut. The Huskies unfortunately lost their next six games. However, it should be noted that they lost three of these games by only one goal and all six opponents were very solid teams. It started off with conference losses to UNH and BC, and then a trip to Virginia saw losses to Liberty and James Madison. The Huskies’ trip to Philadelphia saw losses to Pitt and Temple, both by one goal.
They came back strong beating CLC DII Champ and National Runner-Up Rhode Island but lost the next one to Northeastern ensuring they would be the No.4 seed in the CLC DI Tournament. They beat UMass Dartmouth to end the regular season and lost to Northeastern 17-10 in the CLC DI semifinals.
Despite how the season went, the Huskies are feeling great going into the 2023 season. They return four Honorable Mention All-CLC players in Ryan Whaley at attack, Colby Powers at midfield, Kevin Hughes on defense, and Matt Williams in net. In total, only four players graduated so the team will also have a lot of depth and experience going into 2023. They also add a couple talented new guys from the state including NCAA DIII transfer Chris Lanzarone. UConn Lacrosse Head Coach Jeff Lombardo also gets to coach his first season not affected by COVID-19 in any way. Look for the Huskies to make a run at the CLC title this spring.
