TOP RETURNERS
Andrew Kelly, A, Jr. (27G, 16A)
Sean Dow, FO/M, Sr. (.567 FO%)
Richard Checo, D, Jr. (48CT, 62GB)
“There’s a slew of guys you could pick, but I love those guys,” Scudder said. “With the three of them, they all stepped into new roles last year. What they’re bringing into this season is experience, which is something we didn’t have a ton of last year. Their experience gives our team confidence.”
KEY ADDITIONS
Luke Breslin, A, Fr. (St. Anthony’s, N.Y.)
Noah Ramirez, A/M, Fr. (Culver Academy, Ind.)
Chris Rathwell, M, Fr. (Centre Wellington and The Kiski School, Can.)
Of the trio, expect Breslin to be a big contributor – but all three are expected to have roles early in the 2025 season.
NOTABLE DEPARTURES
Graduations: Scott Cole, A/M; Quinn Armstrong, A/M; Colin Fowler, D; Nick Pecora
X-FACTOR
Dakota Eierman, M, Sr. (18G, 23GB)
Eierman took a big jump in Scudder’s eyes a year ago, and another big jump could be coming soon. Even if his end-of-season stat line looks identical to 2024’s, Eierman fills a pivotal role on the team.
“He’s one of the most dynamic players we have. He just looks like he’s a man on a mission right now,” Scudder said. “Dakota’s a guy who just wears his heart on his sleeve.”
THE NARRATIVE
The Patriot League is usually a safe bet to be a one-bid league when it comes NCAA tournament time. It’s not because of a lack of talent. It’s because the teams usually cannibalize each other in conference play, hurting RPIs and resumes in the process.
“There are nine teams that are extremely competitive, and I almost feel like we eat ourselves,” Scudder said. “You look at Army last year, I think they had the best resume with three losses, but two were to Patriot League teams and they got left out of the tournament. Any given Saturday, any team could beat another team in the league.”
What makes the gauntlet tougher is the contrasting styles, Scudder said.
“It’s harder for our players,” he said. “Offensively, you’re playing Army and they don’t slide. You play Bucknell the next week, and they’re sliding before your dodge starts.”
That makes it hard to get into any sort of rhythm. It also makes it even more of an accomplishment when you come out the league champion on the other end.
