What does a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament appearance change for a program heading into a new season? For Sacred Heart men’s lacrosse, it has set a higher standard as the Pioneers begin their 2026 season with postseason experience and unfinished business.
“The biggest thing coming out of last year was realizing we had to figure out what was missing, why we couldn’t get over the hump,” said head coach Jon Basti. “After talking with the guys and our graduating seniors, we realized our relationships, while strong, weren’t strong enough.”
Sacred Heart has named four captains for the 2026 season: graduate student Luke Catolico and seniors Craig Daria, John Murray, and Finn Hoey.
“The biggest lesson I took away is that every single day matters,” said Hoey. “Seeing those seniors last year realize it was over made me understand that every film session and every practice matters, so we don’t end up with the same result.”
The Pioneers fell short against Siena College in the 2025 MAAC Championship Game.
Source: Jack Cavicchi, Senior Photo Editor and Assistant Sports Editor
“In the MAAC, a lot of teams are pretty similar, so one of the lessons I learned is that our team needs to find a way to put an edge over everybody else, especially in the playoffs,” said Daria.
“One thing we focused on in fall ball was building stronger relationships between the whole roster, and I feel very confident about where our team could go this spring,” said Basti.
After reflecting on what last season revealed, Sacred Heart has shifted its attention toward applying those lessons as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
“Our mindset is simple: play harder, play faster, and bring more effort than everyone else,” said Daria. “If we control our energy and effort, the rest will take care of itself.”
“Success for us is knowing we maximized this group, maximized their skill, their energy, their grit, and their resolve,” said Basti.
The Pios want fans and students to know exactly what kind of team will be taking the field.
“We play fast, we play hard, and we’re loud on the sideline,” said Daria.
“Wins or losses, every game is going to be high energy and a lot of fun to watch,” said Hoey.
Sacred Heart men’s lacrosse team opens their season on Friday, Feb. 6 against Stony Brook University at Campus Field.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
