MIDDLETOWN, R.I.-- Salve Regina University men's lacrosse opened the 2026 season with a 9-8 victory over the visiting Plymouth State Panthers on a chilly February day at Gaudet Field when sophomore attackman Nicholas Bailey scored with one second to go in regulation.

Salve Regina struck first, exploding for three goals in the opening quarter that set the tone early. Casey Johnson tallied the first strike of the season before Heath Sumwalt and Chris Koltzan added back-to-back markers to give the Seahawks a commanding 3–0 lead after 15 minutes. 

Plymouth State responded in the second quarter, chipping away with two goals to cut the deficit, but Daniel Naglieri broke through with a timely score just before halftime to keep Salve Regina ahead. The third quarter saw Plymouth surge, when the Panthers sunk a quick pair of goals to knot the game at 4–4. Salve Regina answered through Johnson once again to regain the edge heading to the final period. 

In a dramatic fourth quarter, both squads traded goals in a back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Salve Regina's Luke Castillo and Koltzan made big plays, while Naglieri's late tally gave the Seahawks a 8–6 cushion. Plymouth State wasn't done, scoring twice in the final minutes to tie it at 8–8. But Salve Regina freshman Nicholas Bailey delivered the decisive strike with just one second left on the clock, sending the home crowd into celebration. 

Salve men's lacrosse comes off a12-6 overall and 4-3 NEWMAC record in 2025. The Seahawks beat Coast Guard 10-8 in the first round of the NEWMAC playoffs and fell 15-9 to Springfield in the semifinals. Salve Regina returns 2025 leading goal scorer Chris Koltzan and assist and overall points contributor Daniel Naglieri. The Seahawks also return face off specialists Adam Laber and Nate Strassberger, who each garnered NEWMAC athlete of the week honors in 2025.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 9, Plymouth State 8
Records: Salve Regina (1-0,0-0 NEWMAC), Plymouth State (0-1,0-0 LEC)

NOTEWORTHY

• In goal, junior Griffin Caiozzo finished with 12 saves, making several key stops to preserve the close victory for the Seahawks.  
• The Panthers narrowly outshot the Seahawks 36-34.
• The Seahawks grabbed 29 ground balls led by senior Christian Killoran. 

ON THE HORIZON
Men's lacrosse is back on the Gaudet Field turf on Wednesday, February 18, at 4 p.m. to host Roger Williams University.