QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University men's lacrosse team is almost 24 hours away from opening the 2026 campaign as the Hawks continue to build momentum entering the program's seventh season. Now in year two under head coach Jake Acevedo, Quincy was selected to finish fifth in the six-team Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason poll. The Hawks are coming off a 4-7 overall record in 2025, including a 1-4 mark in GLVC play, but return a strong core of experienced contributors while adding a talented freshman and transfer class that brings new depth and competition across the roster.

Key Returners

Quincy returns 17 of the 22 players who saw action last season, including impact performers in all three phases. Sophomore Jeshua O brings valuable experience at the face-off position after appearing in all 11 games and making six starts as a freshman. He led the team with 148 face-off attempts and 38 wins while adding 17 ground balls and two caused turnovers, giving the Hawks stability when it comes to face-offs. In goal, redshirt senior Austin Vetter is coming off one of the most impressive individual seasons in program history. After transitioning into the starting role, Vetter started all 11 contests and logged more than 600 minutes in net, posting a 13.58 goals-against average with 206 saves and a .595 save percentage. His 18.73 saves per game broke the Quincy single-season record and led all Division II goalkeepers, while his save percentage ranked first in the GLVC and seventh nationally. He recorded four games with 20 or more saves, including a program-record 30-save performance against Lewis.

Offensively, junior Eli Cowan emerged as a steady playmaker, totaling 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points while appearing in all 11 games. He scored in eight contests, including a multi-goal effort against William Jewell that featured the game-winning goal. Junior Haakon Steen led the Hawks in total points with 33 on 20 goals and 13 assists, adding 23 ground balls and six caused turnovers. Junior Mason Luoma was Quincy's leading goal scorer with 27 goals in 11 games, setting a new program single-season record with 2.45 goals per game while adding three assists. Sophomore Jameson Essen made an immediate impact with 16 goals in 11 games, along with 20 ground balls and seven caused turnovers. Junior Sean Usher provided depth in the attack unit with five goals and two assists in 10 appearances.

Defensively, junior Jonah Pappas started all 11 games and collected 37 ground balls with 12 caused turnovers, while also scoring his first career goal in a win over Northwood. Senior Ian Kersten anchored the back line with 17 ground balls and seven caused turnovers across 11 starts. Junior midfielder Colin Usher contributed on both ends of the field, starting every game while recording three goals, one assist, 17 ground balls, and 14 caused turnovers.

Transfer Class

The Hawks add an immediate offensive weapon in junior attacker Seve Cordero, who transfers from Davenport University. Cordero appeared in 13 games with 12 starts last season, scoring 25 goals, third most on his team, along with two assists. He recorded six multi-goal performances, including four games with four or more goals, and brings proven scoring ability to Quincy's lineup.

Freshman Class

Quincy welcomes an eight-member freshman class that adds athleticism and versatility throughout the roster. Robert Raphael-McElroy joins the defensive unit from Brother Rice High School in Chicago, while midfielders Nick Sietmann and Drake Smola strengthen the middle of the field. Tate Bouman adds depth in goal, while defenders Talon Luttrell and long stick midfielder Lincoln Pahl bolster the defensive corps. Cooper Karedes provides additional midfield depth, and face-off specialist Jackson Ries gives Quincy another option at the X.

Season Opener

With a veteran presence returning in key positions, record-setting production back in goal and on the offensive end, and a strong infusion of new talent, the Hawks look to take another step forward in year two under Coach Acevedo.

Quincy opens the 2026 season on the road in Kansas City against Rockhurst University, a team sitting just outside the top 25 in the preseason poll. Although both programs compete in the GLVC, the matchup will not count toward the conference standings. Opening face-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM from Bourke Field.