Immaculata Men's Lacrosse vs Gwynedd Mercy
Atlantic East Conference Semifinals
Saturday, April 25th| 1:00 PM
Draper Walsh Stadium| Immaculata, Pa.
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GAME LINKS:Â WATCHÂ |Â LIVE STATS
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WHAT TO KNOW
- The Immaculata men's lacrosse team hosts Gwynedd Mercy on Saturday in the Atlantic East Conference Semifinals. The Immaculata is the number two seed in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament and is hosting Gwynedd Mercy in the Semifinals for a second consecutive season.
- Immaculata (11-5, 3-1 AEC) enters the AEC Tournament after defeating Neumann 14-8 on the road on Wednesday afternoon.
- Gwynedd Mercy (7-6, 2-2 AEC) enters the AEC Tournament after falling at Marymount 10-5 on Wednesday.
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SERIES HISTORY
- Saturday's game will mark the 19th meeting between Immaculata and Gwynedd Mercy, and their second time meeting in postseason play.
- Immaculata is 6-12 all-time vs Gwynedd Mercy and is 1-0 in postseason play.
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LAST MEETING
- Immaculata defeated Gwynedd Mercy 12-5 on April 11 at Draper Walsh Stadium.
- Jason Smaron scored four goals and added one assist, Aaron Headley scored three goals, and Matthew Ludlow made 20 saves for the Mighty Macs.
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MIGHTY MAC NOTES
- Immaculata finished the regular season 11–5 overall (3–1 conference), riding a strong season built on balanced offense and reliable goaltending.
- The team has been especially strong at home (6–1), while showing more variability on the road (5–4).
- Offensively, the squad averages 9.56 goals per game, while allowing 8.31 goals per game.
- Man-up conversion: 37.3% (25 goals on 67 chances) to their opponents 25.0%.
- Defense allows 8.31 goals per game and generated 166 caused turnovers.
- Jason Smaron served as the offensive catalyst for Immaculata, producing a team-best 63 points (30G, 33A) across 16 games. He also contributed 32 ground balls and 6 caused turnovers.
- Jude Azzarano emerged as one of the team's most balanced offensive threats, finishing with 45 points (21G, 24A) on 61 shots. He added 37 ground balls, showing strong off-ball and transitional impact.
- Aaron Headley was the team's most aggressive volume shooter, recording 40 points (28G, 12A) on a team-high 115 shots. His offensive identity centered on creating his own looks under pressure, often generating offense through individual dodging. He also contributed 28 ground balls and 8 caused turnovers, making him a persistent physical presence.
- Ryan Gorman provided steady secondary scoring with 33 points (20G, 13A) and over 100 shot attempts. A reliable offensive option, he consistently capitalized on defensive lapses and maintained spacing within the offensive system. His 17 ground balls reflect his willingness to contribute in transition play.
- Nick Senatore posted 32 points (20G, 12A) and was particularly effective in high-leverage situations, including 9 man-up goals. A composed finisher, he specialized in capitalizing on extra-man opportunities and tight defensive rotations. His 23 ground balls further highlight his two-way utility.
- Matthew Frame posted 32 points (20G, 12A) and was particularly effective in high-leverage situations, including 9 man-up goals. A composed finisher, he specialized in capitalizing on extra-man opportunities and tight defensive rotations. His 23 ground balls further highlight his two-way utility.
- John Stelacio functioned as a primary distributor in the midfield, finishing with 19 points (5G, 14A). His game was defined by vision and ball movement, consistently setting up offensive sets and maintaining rhythm. He added 8 ground balls, contributing modestly in possession play.
- Matthew Ludlow anchored the defense with an 11–4 record and a strong 8.20 goals-against average. He recorded 228 saves with a .650 save percentage, consistently keeping Immaculata competitive in tight contests. His steady presence in the net was a major factor in the team's winning season.
- Daniel Alvarez was a steady and physical presence in the defensive rotation, appearing in all 16 games and anchoring key matchup assignments. He finished the season with 36 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers, consistently impacting possessions through stick checks and off-ball positioning.
- Colton Rhoades provided versatility across the defensive midfield unit, appearing in 16 games and contributing 52 ground balls, 23 caused turnovers, and 1 assist. His ability to play both in settled defense and transition made him a key two-way piece.
- Colin Wolk was one of the most active takeaway defenders in the rotation, finishing with 35 ground balls and 23 caused turnovers across 16 games. His game was defined by anticipation and physical pressure, frequently forcing opponents into rushed decisions.
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SCOUTING GWYNEDD MERCY
- Gwynedd Mercy enters at 7–6 overall (2–2 conference).
- The Griffins have been dominant at home (5–0) but significantly less consistent on the road (2–6).
- They average 10.0 goals per game while allowing 7.85 goals per game.
- The offense is volume-heavy and shot-driven, averaging 43.7 shots per game (well above opponents' 33.1).
- Defense allows 7.85 goals per game, a solid number that keeps them competitive in most games.
- They are nearly even in caused turnovers (142 vs 143 opponents).
- Gwynedd's biggest statistical advantage is faceoffs with a .611-win rate.
- Landen Ciran (Attack) has been the primary scoring threat for Gwynedd Mercy all season, finishing with 27 goals and 32 points on 99 shots.
- Josh Devine (Attack) provides a strong complementary scoring punch with 24 goals and 32 points on 107 shots, ranking among the team leaders in offensive production.
- Nick Crespo (Midfield) serves as the engine of the offense, leading the team with 17 assists and 24 total points. A true distributor.
- Caleb Gaines (Midfield/Defense) has a high-impact two-way presence, leading the team with 61 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers.
- Alexander Guardino (Goalie) anchored the defense with a 7.83 GAA and 129 saves at a .561 save percentage, starting every game for the Griffins.
- Jake Tedeschi (FOGO) controls the tempo of the game at the X, winning 149 of 244 faceoffs (.611).
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ATLANTIC EAST CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
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Saturday, April 25 – Semifinals
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No. 1 Marymount vs No. 4 Marywood
No. 2 Immaculata vs No. 3 Gwynedd Mercy
(Higher Seed is the Host)
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Friday, May 1 or Saturday, May 2 – Championship Game
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Semifinal winners at the Higher Seed.
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UP NEXT
- The winner of Saturday's Semifinal will advance to next weekend's AEC Championship Game on either Friday, May 1, or Saturday, May 2, at the higher seed.
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