Molloy University Athletics

Garden City, N.Y. - What was a truly historic season for the Molloy University men's lacrosse team came to an end in the NCAA Division II National Semifinal this afternoon with a 19-4 loss to top-seeded Adelphi. The Lions, who were ranked third in the bracket, conclude 2026 with a record of 16-4.

How it Happened

• The Panthers had a dominant afternoon at the face-off dot, going 18-of-26 to help Adelphi establish possessions that led to an early 2-0 lead just three minutes into the contest.
• Senior Jake Taylor and graduate student Noah Hammon each recorded shots on net for the Lions, but Christian Tomei was there to make the stops. 
• The Panthers would add three more goals despite seven saves from senior John Basile in the opening 15 minutes of play. 
• Adelphi's run would get to as high as 10 before the halftime break.
• Graduate student Zach Kroog got the Lions on the board in the opening seconds of the third quarter, finishing a pass from freshman Jaden Simick. 
• The home team would score the next three goals before senior Justin Palulis rounded out the frame with an unassisted marker in the final second. 
• Palulis would add another unassisted goal in the fourth quarter before a man-up goal from senior Brian Green rounded out Molloy's scoring. 

Top Performances

• Palulis led with two points on the two goals.
• Graduate student Timothy Morrow added an assist on the afternoon. 
• Junior Rocco Hogan led the team with three ground balls while Taylor, seniors Thomas Kofod Shawn McCabe, and Tommy Corcoran, as well as sophomore Liam Taylor each picked up two.
• The trio of Kofod, McCabe, and senior Jaden McLeod each forced two turnovers.
• In total, Basile matched a career-high 18 saves in net.