The Middlebury men’s lacrosse team will return to Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium on March 4 when it hosts Bowdoin. The Panthers will look to build on their 2022 campaign, bringing back the core of last season’s roster, while adding nine newcomers. 

Middlebury’s strong defensive unit will be anchored again by Finn O’Connor between the pipes this spring. The goalie started all 16 games last year, logging nearly 900 total minutes. Luke Simpson, a second-team All-NESCAC and NEILA All-Region selection, was a stalwart for the Panthers in 2022, tallying 48 ground balls and causing 29 turnovers. Billy Dobensky also returns on defense, making 16 appearances, including 14 starts last season.

In the midfield, Jack Sheehan and Russell Thorndike return to the lineup. Sheehan, a First-Team All-NESCAC and NEILA All-Region selection, tallied a team-best 37 goals last season, including three game-winners. Thorndike was a key contributor for the Panthers, especially late in the season. The first-year tallied two hat tricks and a total of 13 points over the last three games of the regular season.

Billy Curtis and Tyler Forbes will spearhead the Middlebury attack. Last season, Curtis led the team in points (55) and assists (27), while ranking second in goals (28) and starting in all 16 contests. Forbes registered 21 goals and 12 assists in 2022, and has found the back of the net 80 times in his career at Middlebury, which is a team-best.

Head coach Dave Campbell ’00 will return for his 17th season at the helm of the men’s lacrosse program. He is assisted by Gus Brakeley, Bob Ritter ’82 and Troy Haefele.