Season of Determination

The Pal-Mac Boys Lacrosse team enters the 2025 season after a remarkable 2024 campaign, finishing with a stellar 17-1 record. The Red Raiders showed dominance, with 13 of their victories coming by a margin of 5 or more goals. Despite their impressive season, they suffered a heart-wrenching loss in the Section Championship game against HF-L.

Key Losses

Graduating seniors Luke Herendeen, Keagan Hoesterey, and Peyton Lich leave big shoes to fill. Among these, Luke Herendeen, with his strong defensive skills, earned 1st Team All-League Defense (FL-East) honors. Keagan Hoesterey, with his 48 goals and 86 assists, earned several accolades including US Lacrosse All-American and Finger Lakes Player of the Year. Peyton Lich, who will be playing at Ohio Northern, recorded 201 saves with a 71.8% save percentage, and was honored as the Finger Lakes Goalie of the Year and earned 2nd team All-Section recognition.

Returning Players' Stats and Awards

Pal-Mac boasts an impressive lineup of returning players who earned awards last season. Jackson Dennie, a sophomore A/M, scored 60 goals and provided 7 assists. He was part of the Section V (Class C) All-Tournament Team and earned All-League 1st Team Attack (FL-East) honors. Sophomore A/M Reid Diehl scored 37 goals and had 12 assists. He was recognized as part of the All-League 2nd Team Attack (FL-East). Max Hill, a freshman Attackman, scored 24 goals and provided 34 assists and made the Section V (Class C) All-Tournament Team and earned All-League 2nd Team Attack (FL-East) honors. Carson Lich, a junior D/LSM, was part of the Section V (Class C) All-Tournament Team and earned All-League 1st Team Defense (FL-East) honors. 

Junior A/M Ryan Allen scored 12 goals and provided 6 assists and made the All-League 2nd Team Midfield (FL-East) while Henry Beaton, a junior Defenseman, was an All-League 1st Team Defenseman (FL-East) pick. Brandon Dennie, a junior A/M, scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists and was part of the All-League 1st Team Midfield (FL-East). Branden Thomas, a sophomore M/A, scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists and was part of the All-League 2nd Team Midfield (FL-East). Luke VanGorden, a senior M/FO, scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists and had a FO=205+/143- record. He was part of the All-League 2nd Team FO Midfield (FL-East).

Scoring Power

In 2024, the Red Raiders scored a total of 230 goals with an average of 12.8 goals per game while conceding only 79 goals, maintaining a solid average of 4.4 goals against per game. With 177 goals and 87 assists returning this season, Pal-Mac's offensive prowess is anticipated to continue.

Looking Forward

Head Coach Joe Hill, entering his 18th season with a 214-77 win/loss record, will lead the team. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to capitalize on last year's near-perfect season and push for the ultimate victory in the 2025 Section Championship.

With a blend of seasoned players and rising stars, the Pal-Mac Boys Lacrosse team is geared up for another exciting and potentially historic season. Their eyes are set on overcoming last year's final hurdle and securing the championship title that eluded them.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.