Sacred Heart NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament in Albany

The Albany men’s lacrosse team will play one more game at home this season after winning the America East championship.

The Great Danes have earned automatic qualification for the NCAA Tournament and are now set to take on Sacred Heart in the opening game at Casey Stadium.

“I don’t think anyone is really happy with an America East championship,” said Jake Piseno, a long-stick graduate midfielder. “We want to take this trip to South Bend and we want to spend more days together.”

This will be the first-ever meeting between UAlbany and Sacred Heart. This is the Pioneers’ first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, after going undefeated in the MAAC and winning the conference title.

“It’s a good team we play. They have 13 wins,” said UAlbany head coach Scott Marr. “They are also very excited to be here.”

Marr gathered his team together during Tuesday’s practice, unhappy with the way some drills were being executed. After practice, he said he thought his stern message had been delivered.

“These guys have never been in this position before, and so it’s my job to make sure that they stay focused and, again, respect their opponent and be prepared for who we’re playing for,” he said. Marr said.

The Great Danes will make their 11th appearance in the Big Dance, and their first since 2018. UAlbany won its 10th America East title on Saturday after beating Vermont.

“It’s about being 1-0 tomorrow, and I think everyone got that message,” Piseno said.

The winner will face No. 1 overall seed and defending national champion Notre Dame in the first round in South Bend. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Casey Stadium.