New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz men's lacrosse team concluded its 2024 season short of expectations after a historic 2023 campaign that saw program highs in wins and its first trip into the SUNYAC Tournament.
 
With injuries plaguing the roster, the Hawks struggled with their depth to finish games as they went 5-10 overall and 1-6 in the SUNYAC.
 
Early in the season, SUNY New Paltz got back to .500 on the year as it went on a three-game winning streak, earning victories over Mount Saint Mary College, Mount Saint Vincent and SUNY Delhi. The team's lone SUNYAC victory came on the road against SUNY Plattsburgh, touting an 11-6 win and extended its winning streak over the Cardinals to two.
 
 
Numerous individual milestones were accomplished throughout the year, however, as John Reese and Ryan Scully each hit the 100-point threshold for their careers, while Ryan Steinhart surpassed the 700-saves mark to solidify himself as the all-time leader. Steinhart even broke his own single-season save record with a career-high 243 saves on the year.
 
James Flanagan was the team's top point getter, as he finished second all-time in the program's short history in the category, just one shy of Reese's mark of 48 from last season. However, Flanagan did set the single season assist record with 20, while placing tied for fourth in goals with 27. Reese nearly matched his career-high total from last season, but with 33 on the year landed second behind himself on the single-season goal list.
 
Zachary Leung demolished the previous single-season caused turnover record, totaling 30, surpassing the previous program record of 18 set by former Hawks LSM Michael Devoe last season. Second-year man Owen Craker followed Leung with 17 caused turnovers on the year with Rafael Fillyaw totaling 16 which put them third and fourth, respectively, on the single-season program list.
 
SUNY New Paltz loses 12 key members of the team to graduation, which included eight four-year starters. Third-year coach Dylan Neisler looks to re-build with an infusion of talent heading into next season, bringing in 17 new faces help get the program back into postseason contention.

Season Highlights (edited by Julia Quinlan)


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