The Sacred Heart University men’s lacrosse team received two major Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) postseason awards and placed eight players on All-MAAC teams, according to an April 28 announcement by the conference.
These recognitions highlight the team’s strong performance ahead of the 2026 Men’s Lacrosse Championships. Senior midfielder John Murray was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year, while first-year Jake Carney earned Co-Rookie of the Year honors. Both athletes were also among eight Pioneers selected for All-MAAC teams, reflecting a broad contribution from across the roster.
Murray and junior short-stick defensive midfielder Garrett Mangels were named to the First Team All-MAAC. Redshirt sophomore Matt Pepe, along with seniors Will Moulton, Michael Amoruso, and Craig Daria, made Second Team All-MAAC. Carney and redshirt first-year Ryan Grove were included in the All-Rookie Team. The MAAC also recognized Sacred Heart for academic achievement; Sacred Heart led all schools with 32 student-athletes named to its 2026 All-Academic Team. Eligibility required completion of two semesters at their institution and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.
Murray is now only the second player in program history to receive MAAC Offensive Player of the Year honors after Morgan O’Reilly in 2024. He ranks second on his team in both points (41) and goals (31), adding ten assists this season with consistent multi-point performances including several career-high games.
Carney is Sacred Heart’s first-ever MAAC Rookie of the Year recipient as well as its third overall rookie honoree across conferences. He leads his team with 33 goals this season and has recorded multiple standout performances including six Rookie of the Week selections.
Looking forward, Sacred Heart finished as No. 3 seed for postseason play and will face No. 2 seed Marist in a semifinal matchup scheduled for Thursday, April 30.
