HAMILTON — Colgate Men's Lacrosse opens its 2025 season on the road Saturday, heading to #14 Penn State for a 1 p.m. contest.

The Raiders bring back a strong core of veteran talent from the 2024 squad, including four All-Patriot League selections: Hunter Drouin, Matt LaCombe, Max Yates, and Aidan Murnane. The four got named to the Patriot League Preseason All-League Team.

"We are excited about our group. We have a very dynamic mix of veteran leadership, developed talent, and young energy. I look forward to watching this team compete in one of the best schedules in the country," said Head Coach Matt Karweck.

"So far, our seniors have been pushing this team every day in practice extremely hard. We are on a great path right now, and can't wait for our journey to begin tomorrow."

Colgate posted an 8-7 record, including a 5-3 Patriot League mark last season, reaching the Patriot League quarterfinals.

Senior Rory Connor also grabbed a spot on the Preseason All-League Team after leading the Raiders' offensive output in 2024, boasting 65 points by 30 goals and 35 assists. He finished second in the Patriot League in assists and third in points.

Fellow senior Jack Turner led the team and finished fifth in the Patriot League in goals (40) after scoring three or more in eight contests. He averaged 2.67 goals per game, which fell third-best in the conference.

Drouin earned Preseason All-American Honorable Mention accolades from Inside Lacrosse. He logged 11 games with three-plus points on his way to recording 52 points with 38 goals and 14 assists. Drouin scored a team-best five man-up goals, helping the Raiders rank fifth nationally in man-up offense (.525).

Liam Connor sat fifth on the squad in points, with 25 points after registering 12 goals and 13 assists as a first-year. He also tied for the team lead in game-winning goals with two.

Colgate has no shortage of talent on the defensive side, led by Yates, who garnered Third Team Preseason All-American honors from USA Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse.

The senior finished second in the Patriot League in caused turnovers (31) and caused turnovers per game (2.07), ranking in the top ten nationally in both categories. Additionally, Yates fell fourth in the conference in ground balls (84).

Murnane sat second on the squad in caused turnovers (20) and was fourth in ground balls (38), earning Second Team All-Patriot League honors last year. He posted six games with multiple CTs. Sophomore John Carrabine and junior Sam Erickson caused 17 turnovers each.

The Raiders led the Patriot League and finished second nationally in caused turnovers per contest (11.50) after recording 171 CTs, fifth-most in the nation. Colgate also sat third in the Patriot League in ground balls per game (33.87).

LaCombe was voted Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year. The senior led the Patriot League with a 9.40 goals-against average and a .575 save percentage during conference play, earning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year. He averaged 13.07 saves per game in 15 total games last season, ranking 10th in the nation.

The Raiders welcomed 12 first-years this fall, hailing from seven states. The class features multiple All-Americans and All-State honorees with championship experience.

Following the PSU game, Colgate is back on the road for a battle at No. 6 Virginia next Saturday. The Raiders host UAlbany in their home opener Feb. 15. Colgate begins Patriot League action at Loyola March 1.

The Raiders welcome Bucknell to Andy Kerr Stadium March 15 in their first of four home conference games. Colgate will also take on Navy, Army, and Holy Cross in Hamilton. The final non-conference game features a short trip to battle Central New York foe Syracuse March 22.