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2025 ALC-I North Region Preview

  • General News
  • Atlantic Lacrosse Conference
  • Kentucky Wildcats
  • Liberty Flames
  • James Madison Dukes
  • West Virginia Mountaineers
  • Pittsburgh Panthers
  • Temple Owls

RICHMOND, Va. -- The 2025 Atlantic Lacrosse Conference (ALC) North Region promises to be another thrilling season of intense competition. As teams prepare for the grueling conference schedule, here's a breakdown of what to expect from the contenders in the region, including key changes, incoming talent and exciting matchups.

Liberty

2024 Recap: Liberty’s run to the ALC title last season set a high bar, but the Flames are not resting on their laurels. A strong core returns, with one notable challenge: the departure of all-conference goalie Eric Warnstrom. However, Liberty is confident in its depth, especially at the goalie position, and has the talent to continue competing at the top level.

Key Losses: Warnstrom (G), Bryn Jungles (M) – Filling the void left by Warnstrom’s leadership in net will be crucial, and Jungles' absence presents challenges for the team both on and off the field.

Notable Returners: Players like Hunter Rockhill and Easton Cahill are expected to make significant strides in 2025, bringing even more depth and firepower to an already talented offensive unit unit.

Incoming Players: Freshmen Josiah Hoopman and Gabe Dymmel will provide a much-needed boost, bringing fresh energy to a high-caliber program.

Schedule Highlights: With five of their first seven games against top-25 teams, including exciting matchups against Georgia Tech and Texas, Liberty will be battle-tested early.

Outlook: With a strong returning group and a focus on maintaining consistency, Liberty is poised for another run at the ALC title.

James Madison

2024 Recap: After a successful 2024 season, JMU has made a bold move, hiring a new coach for the 2025 season. The goal is to increase discipline and take their already impressive play to the next level.

Key Losses: Losing dynamic contributors like James Crowley (LSM) and RJ Feerick (Attack) is a blow, but the Dukes are reloading with new talent and depth.

Notable Returners: Sophomores Ethan Reidy and Will Hart, along with junior Judd Boniface, are expected to take on larger roles and lead the charge.

Incoming Players: Freshmen Shane McGrath and Mason Clavelli, as well as sophomore transfer Jackson Keller, will play key roles in filling the gaps left by the departed seniors.

Schedule Highlights: JMU’s schedule includes tough doubleheader weekends, with South Carolina being a key non-conference test for the Dukes’ playoff aspirations.

Outlook: With a new coaching staff and a focus on discipline and overall growth, JMU will be a strong contender in the Northern Region, but the change in leadership presents both opportunity and uncertainty.

West Virginia

2024 Recap: After an impressive 2024 season, West Virginia continues to stay true to its cultural pillars of “Air Raid” and “Press Virginia.” The Mountaineers are looking to build on their foundation but will have to replace significant contributors from last year.

Key Losses: The departure of prolific attackers Will Stone and Brock Altland, as well as a complete overhaul on defense, leaves a lot of holes to fill. However, West Virginia has deep talent across all positions, and several players are poised to step up.

Notable Returners: Jackson Smith, Kevin Mullaney, and Tyler Randles will be key to the Mountaineers’ offense, while Jack Gaeger is expected to anchor the defense.

Incoming Players: JUCO transfer Michael McCormack and NCAA transfers like Kevin Rech and Blake Miller should make an immediate impact, bolstering an already talented squad.

Schedule Highlights: West Virginia faces an ambitious non-conference schedule, including matchups with Florida State, Georgia Tech, South Florida, and Auburn early in the season. The Backyard Brawl against Pitt will be one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Outlook: West Virginia’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive depth makes them a team to watch in 2025, especially with an ambitious non-conference slate that will prepare them for the ALC grind.

Pittsburgh

2024 Recap: Pittsburgh faced some challenges last year, but with a more structured approach to both offense and defense, they are looking to take significant strides forward this season.

Key Losses: Attackman Reed Seybolt and goalie Finn Harris are both tough to replace, but Pittsburgh’s “next man up” mentality will help them find new solutions.

Notable Returners: Goalie Owen Huntington and midfielder Sean Cole will be relied upon to step up and take on larger roles.

Incoming Players: Freshmen Gavin Lacy (Defense) and Matt Chimento (Midfield) are expected to contribute immediately.

Schedule Highlights: Pittsburgh faces a tough schedule with key non-conference matchups against Boston College, Northeastern, and Indiana, providing a solid test before conference play.

Outlook: Pittsburgh is focusing on structure and efficiency, and with key returners stepping into larger roles, they’ll be competitive within the Northern Region.

Kentucky

2024 Recap: Kentucky’s shift from the NCLL to the MCLA has significantly raised expectations, and the Wildcats are embracing the challenge with new workout programs and improved practices. The team’s culture remains focused on "The Medicine Game" and fostering a sense of family.

Key Losses: Kentucky lost a significant portion of their midfield due to graduation, but they are preparing to plug the gaps with a “next man up” mentality.

Notable Returners: Key contributors like midfielder Ty Koerbel and attackman Sammy Hamilton will be crucial to Kentucky’s success in 2025.

Incoming Players: Freshmen Kaden Wilson (Defense), John Kielczynski (Defense), and Mikey Ancona (Attack) will play key roles, as will midfielders like Evan Rachmiel.

Schedule Highlights: Kentucky faces competitive non-conference opponents like NC State and JMU, and their ESPN+ matchup against Liberty is sure to be a must-watch game.

Outlook: The Wildcats’ competitive schedule and new commitment to a collegiate-level program should help them rise in the ranks of the ALC, but consistency will be key for their success.

Temple

2024 Recap: Coming off a rebuilding season in 2024, Temple is determined to return to playoff contention. After losing 17 players, the Owls’ 2025 campaign will focus on resilience, discipline, and rebuilding a winning culture.

Key Losses: Senior LSM Giffin Trail, an honorable mention All-Conference player, is a significant loss, but the Owls are confident in the defense stepping up with new leaders.

Notable Returners: Players like Ryan McKenna and Solen Layser will provide leadership, while graduate transfer Eric Ellis is expected to contribute offensively.

Incoming Players: Newcomers like Justin Drinkwater and Ethan Deller will be important pieces in the Owls’ rebuild.

Schedule Highlights: Temple’s non-conference schedule includes tough opponents like Alabama, Kentucky, and Syracuse, as well as the chance to face off against other MCLA teams like Miami (Ohio).

Outlook: Temple is hungry to rebound from a challenging 2024 and will be focused on improving each week. With a strong incoming class and a renewed commitment to their culture, the Owls are ready to fight for a playoff spot.


Conclusion

The 2025 ALC Northern Region will be as competitive as ever, with each team bringing new strategies, fresh faces, and renewed intensity. Will Liberty return as the #1 North seed in the ALC Tournament, or will there be a new contender looking to take their place? Look for thrilling matchups and intense rivalry games as the season unfolds!

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