WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Hartford men's lacrosse team celebrated senior day with a special 13-11 victory over Western New England University to close out regular season play.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks and Golden Bears started this match-up with an intense opening 15 minutes, with a high scoring quarter. Sophomore Aidan Ezra (New Milford, Conn.) got the Hawks on the board first ripping one in right past the goalie. The Golden Bears answered just under a minute after, tying it up with a goal from James Wrynn, then teammate Thomas Labbe took the lead knocking one in just 30 seconds later, up 2-1. Hartford was not phased and it was freshman Shaun Wright (Frederick, Md.) to tie this up with 10:30 remaining. Neither team backed down in the opening quarter each goal was answered with one of their own with multiple lead changes becoming the story of the game. The Golden Bears' Jack Houlden matched Wright and junior Aidan Kemp (Orange, N.J.) with a goal in less than four to go 3-3. Wright continued to be electric for the Hawks putting away an equalizer for the Hawks at 1:15 with an assist from sophomore Trent Beggs (Somers, Conn.). And in this game's fashion James Wrynn for WNE closed out the first quarter with a swift goal in the final 30 seconds, now up 5-4. 
• The second quarter picked up right where it left off, neck and neck to keep the fans on the edge of their seat. Kemp kicked off the scoring to tie it up at 5-5. The Golden Bears played tight defense on the Hawks forcing turnovers all over the field and continuing to attack the net. Jack Houlden for WNE snagged back the lead sneaking one over the shoulder of Hartford keep sophomore CJ Ledwick (Falmouth, Mass.). Hartford's defense began to clamp down after this finish, Ledwick was a brick wall in net, coming up with multiple key saves, including a man-down stop facing four shots at the net within one possession. The Hawks' offense went to work building off the defense to find senior Griffin Weller (Canton, Conn.) who knocked in a memorable senior day goal; his first of the season. The Hawks capped the first half with two more goals to create some distance between the Golden Bears, 8-6. Goals scored by Kemp and freshman Gaving Pelletier (Southington, Conn.).
• The Golden Bears opened with a quick strike from Jame Wrynn to cut the differential. Hartford's defense forced consecutive turnovers to give their offense solid shots at net, sophomore Michael Novotony (Cornwall, N.Y.) answered with a powerful goal, 9-7. The Golden Bears gained some traction late in the third quarter as Wrynn added two more goals to his stat sheet to even things at 9-9 with less than four minutes to go. Ezra gave the Hawks a brief lead with a goal in the final minute, but Jack Houlden for WNE answered with another equalizer 10-10 to finish the third quarter.
• The fans were on their feet at the start of this fourth quarter knowing they were in for an exciting final quarter. Novotny took over the game clutching three goals that helped Hartford pull away from the Golden Bears. His first two goals game within 60 seconds of each other. The Hartford defense stood tall as senior Nick DiDomizio (Cheshire, Conn.) directed his team even when faced with man-down opportunities. The Golden Bears were unable to catch the Hawks as the soared away with this senior day win in a strong final quarter, 13-11 to close out their regular season. 

Post Game Press:

Senior Nick DiDomizio (Cheshire Conn.) said, "this win feels great, especially coming off of Tuesday's tough loss just staying together, regrouping, and coming out ready to play. Last year not being eligible for conference playoffs and now coming back this year to get a home game means the world to us."

"We are all coming together at the right time", said senior Griffin Weller (Canton, Conn.). "And we are moving forward into the playoffs peaking at a really good time. My entire first year playing for this team we did not win a single home game so to be home in the playoffs is huge and it truly is a full-circle moment."

"I am really proud of everyone, special teams, it was a good one to watch from the sidelines," said graduate student Jake Ojert (Doylestown, Pa.). 
 

"This was championship level ball," said senior Ryan Varano (Avon, Conn.). "We have the talent in the room and we are finally putting it together to get over the hum, and we got to show the conference what's up. Now claiming a home playoff game means everything we have worked from the fall to now, I wish I could be on the field with my boys but I am so happy. 35 years this team has been running the conference and we finally showed the conference who we are."

Inside The Numbers:

• Novotny had an impressive four points this afternoon tallying four goals and picking up one ground ball. Wright had another strong performance for his team with five points from two goals, three assists, two ground balls, and one caused turnover. Ezra was also aggressive on net today burying two goals with three shots on goal. 
• Weller nabbed his first goal of the season on his senior day and maintained pressure on the attack with three shots on goal.
• DiDomizio protected the net for the Hawks claiming five ground balls and causing one turnover.
• In net for the Hawks, Ledwick had 11 saves, totalling 147 saves on the 2025 season alone.
• At the face off circle sophomore Ben Costanzo (Chester, Conn.) went 7-26 today and picked up two ground balls.

Up Next:
The Hawks concluded their regular season play today and are awaiting playoff standings to prepare for their next opponent. 

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