Cobleskill, NY: The SUNY Cobleskill men's lacrosse team is set to take the field for the 2024-25 season, bringing a mix of returning experience and fresh talent as they prepare to make strides in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC). The Fighting Tigers enter the campaign ranked fifth in the NAC Preseason Poll.

Guided by fourth-year head coach Greg Valachovic, a former NAC Coach of the Year, Cobleskill looks to build upon last year's efforts, where they finished 1-11. Valachovic is optimistic about the team's progress and how the roster's blend of veteran leadership and new energy will shape the season.

"We have a young group that has been working hard every day to improve," Valachovic said. "We're returning four starters and several key contributors from last year while adding some defenders who will play an important role in front of our returning goalie, James Meier. With that core experience and a few solid newcomers, we're excited to watch this team grow and push forward."
Cobleskill returns 11 players, including key contributors such as sophomores Alex Baker (Guilford, VT/Brattleboro Union) and Rob Staubitz (East Rockaway, NY), along with senior attacker Albert Sippio (Syracuse, NY/ITC) and James Meier ( Guilderland, NY) in goal. The Fighting Tigers will look to Sippio to lead the attack after pacing the team last season in goals (27), points (36), shots (126), and shots on target (90).

Staubitz will aim to build on an impressive first-year campaign in which he led the team with 16 assists and ranked second with 53 ground balls. Baker adds versatility on offense as both a scorer and facilitator, while Meier returns between the pipes after ranking fifth in the nation with 17.67 saves per game.

"The offense will be led by returners Alex Baker, Albert Sippio, and Rob Staubitz," Valachovic said. "Iain Patterson is another valuable Swiss Army knife for us, contributing on both ends of the field. Having James Meier back in goal to be the brick wall that he is will also be huge."

The Fighting Tigers also welcome four new players, highlighted by transfer Noah Palange (Pompton Lakes, NJ) and first-year defenders Andrew Carpenter (Schuylerville, NY) and William Wagner (Stillwater, NY). The newcomers will bring added depth and athleticism to the roster.

"We have some new guys who are going to help us on both sides of the ball," Valachovic said. "Noah Palange is a big addition for us, and guys like Andrew Carpenter and William Wagner will add athleticism and strength to our defense."

Cobleskill opens its season on Saturday, March 1, with a 1:00 p.m. road matchup at Mitchell College as they look to set the tone for the season ahead
 
NAC Preseason Poll:

Team	Pts (1st Place Votes)
SUNY Delhi	41 (5)
Maine Maritime	37 (1)
Husson	27
Thomas	25
SUNY Cobleskill	18
MCLA	14