The #6 Middlebury men’s lacrosse team returns to Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium on March 2 when it hosts #14 Amherst. The Panthers look to build on their 2023 campaign which saw the program reach the NCAA Quarterfinals. Middlebury welcomes back the core of last spring’s roster while adding 14 newcomers.

Middlebury’s solid defensive unit was anchored by Hayden Kern between the pipes a season ago. The goalie started all 21 games during his rookie campaign, logging over 1,223 total minutes with an 18-3 record. Luke Simpson, a Second-Team All-American and a first-team NEILA All-Region and All-NESCAC selection, was a force for the Panthers in 2023, tallying 73 ground balls and causing a team-best 46 turnovers. Teddy Curran (33GB, 19CT) and Nate Ruoss (18GB, 13CT) were stalwarts on the defensive front a season ago, solidifying the NESCAC’s best player-down unit.

Tom Conley, Patrick Jamin and Cooper DeMallie return to the lineup in the midfield. Conley was a First-Team All-NESCAC selection last spring, finishing with 24 goals and 18 assists to go along with 26 groundballs. Jamin tallied a goal 17 times, including the game-winner in the regular-season finale against Williams. The Panther also finished second on the squad with 34 assists, including nine helpers during postseason play. DeMallie concluded his first year in the navy and white with 33 goals and 39 points, scoring six times during a regular-season win over Babson. He also found the back of the net six times during NCAA Tournament action, highlighted by a hat trick in the 19-12 victory over Union.

Billy Curtis led the team in points (68) and assists (43) for the second-consecutive year last spring. He ranked fourth in goals (25) with three game-winners, including the clinching goal in the NCAA Tournament second-round win over Union.  Russell Thorndike, a Second-Team All-NESCAC selection, tied for the team lead with 44 goals and was second with 65 points. William Ryan tied for the team lead with 44 tallies, scoring at least one goal in 20 of 21 games last spring. He has recorded a marker in each of the last 18 contests entering this season.

Head coach Dave Campbell ’00 returns for his 18th season at the helm of the men’s lacrosse program. Joining Campbell on the sidelines again this year will be assistants Gus Brakeley, Troy Haefele and newcomer Connor Quinn ‘20.