Men’s Lacrosse D3 Week

Gabriela Gondolfe

She/Her

SGA Senior Class President 

4/18/23

The Plymouth State Panthers have had an incredible lacrosse season so far with a record of 10-3. The team has been very busy on Panther Field, hungry to stay on top of their competitors as the regular season comes to an end. 

NCAA Division III is a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States. This past week was Division III week which is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community.

“Coming into my first year here, I wasn’t planning on playing a sport at PSU but at the last minute I made the decision to play lacrosse and it was the best decision I could’ve made. I’ve met some of my best friends through playing lacrosse here. Being a D3 athlete allows me to continue playing the sport I love to play while being able to balance school as well as my social life.”. Senior Nick Drew says what it means to him to be D3. This season has been exciting as the Panthers have had many triumphs outside and within the Little East Conference. 

Almost their entire starting lineup returned, which has been a huge part of their success this season. If you’ve attended any games at the Panther Field you can tell their defense has been the team’s biggest strength. They have the best goals-against average in the league which is impressive. Plymouth State’s win against Mass Maritime Academy Friday, April, 14th improved them to a 10-3 record for the year, reaching double-digit wins for the first time since the 2015 season. 

“Playing at Plymouth is special, we have a great group of guys this year that are all really close to each other which has been a great experience. Being a D3 athlete allows for me to be able to play the sport I love while being able to do other activities and focus on school all at once. D3 sports gives student-athletes the opportunity to excel in all aspects of life.” Senior Jake Dolcimascolo says. Dolcimascolo was also named Male Athlete of the Month by the PSU Athletics Communications Office following an electric opening on the lacrosse field. In the month of March, Dolcimascolo tallied 15 goals, including a game-winner, 22 assists, and 37 points along with nine ground balls in eight games. Additionally,  averaged 6.88 shots per game and a shots-on-goal percentage of .582. “Receiving the Athlete of the Month award is a huge honor. Coming into this year I was hungry to play and do my best due to my last two seasons being cut short because of injuries and covid. Finally putting together a full season and excelling has been the best feeling in the world.” said Dolcimascolo. 

The last 3 regular season games are all Little East Conference matchups against Castleton, Southern Maine, and our rivalry Keene State! The first round Little East Conference tournament begins May 2nd and will include the top lacrosse teams to compete in playoffs. 

Plymouth State hosts Castleton on April 19th for a Senior Night contest with the Spartans. Opening faceoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Make sure to come support the graduating seniors! 

Good luck Panthers!