Loyola Maryland Men’s Lacrosse 2026 Season Recap: Greyhounds Return to Patriot League Championship Game

The 2026 season marked a return to prominence for the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds men’s lacrosse program. After several seasons of ups and downs, Loyola finished 10-5 overall and 6-2 in Patriot League play, earning the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament and advancing all the way to the Patriot League Championship Game.

While the season ultimately ended one win short of an NCAA Tournament berth, the Greyhounds re-established themselves as one of the Patriot League’s elite programs and gave fans optimism heading into 2027.

2026 Season Snapshot

Category	Result
Overall Record	10-5
Patriot League Record	6-2
Patriot League Finish	T-1st
Tournament Seed	No. 2
Postseason	Patriot League Runner-Up

Loyola tied for the best conference record in the Patriot League and earned its first appearance in the league title game since 2023.

Early Season Challenges

The Greyhounds opened the season against one of the toughest schedules in the country.

One of the season’s early measuring-stick games came against traditional powerhouse University of Maryland. Loyola battled throughout the contest before falling 19-10 to the top-ranked Terrapins. Despite the result, the Greyhounds showed flashes of the offensive firepower that would emerge later in the season.

Another important local victory came against UMBC Retrievers, where Loyola earned a 12-8 win behind four goals from Mason Cook.

Those early tests helped prepare Loyola for conference play.

Patriot League Success

When league play began, Loyola found its identity.

The Greyhounds finished 6-2 in conference action, tying Army and Boston University atop the standings. Loyola’s defense improved dramatically, and the offense consistently produced against Patriot League opponents.

A key road victory came at Holy Cross, where Loyola secured a 10-8 win that strengthened its position near the top of the standings.

By the end of the regular season, Loyola had positioned itself as a legitimate Patriot League championship contender.

Mason Cook Becomes a Star

No player had a bigger impact on Loyola’s season than sophomore attackman Mason Cook.

Cook emerged as one of the Patriot League’s most dangerous scorers and delivered his best performance when the season was on the line.

In the Patriot League semifinal against Colgate, Cook scored a tournament-record seven goals while leading Loyola to a 13-8 victory. The performance instantly became one of the greatest postseason games in program history.

Cook’s development into an elite offensive weapon transformed Loyola’s attack throughout the season.

Max Watkinson Anchors the Defense

Every championship-caliber team needs a great goalie.

Loyola found one in Max Watkinson.

The goalkeeper saved his best performance for the Patriot League Tournament, making a career-high 20 saves in the semifinal victory over Colgate. Watkinson repeatedly shut down scoring opportunities and gave Loyola the confidence to make its postseason run.

His performance in the conference tournament was one of the major reasons the Greyhounds advanced to the title game.

Offensive Improvement

Team statistics reveal how much Loyola improved offensively during the season.

The Greyhounds scored 191 goals while recording 126 assists and posted a shooting percentage above 30 percent. Loyola averaged nearly 13 goals per game while also generating quality scoring opportunities through ball movement.

Team offensive leaders included:

• Mason Cook
• Luke Murphy
• Connor Wilbur
• Kenan Everhart
• Chase Gregory

Those players consistently carried the offensive workload throughout the season.

Defensive Growth

While the offense received most of the headlines, Loyola’s defense quietly became one of the better units in the Patriot League.

The Greyhounds allowed 189 goals across 15 games and routinely played their best defense against conference opponents. Watkinson’s emergence in goal helped stabilize the unit during critical moments.

That defensive consistency was especially important during the postseason.

Patriot League Tournament Run

Loyola entered the Patriot League Tournament as the No. 2 seed.

Semifinal

Loyola 13, Colgate 8

The Greyhounds dominated the semifinal round behind seven goals from Mason Cook and 20 saves from Max Watkinson. Loyola controlled the pace of play and advanced to the championship game.

Championship Game

Army West Point vs. Loyola Maryland

The Greyhounds advanced to the Patriot League title game for the seventh time since joining the conference in 2014. Loyola entered the game seeking its fifth Patriot League championship and first since 2018.

Although Loyola fell short of the automatic NCAA Tournament berth, reaching the championship game represented a major step forward for the program.

Top 10 Greyhounds of 2026

1. Mason Cook, Attack

The offensive star of the season and Patriot League Tournament hero.

2. Max Watkinson, Goalie

Twenty-save semifinal performance cemented his place among Loyola’s top players.

3. Luke Murphy, Attack

Consistent scoring presence throughout the season.

4. Connor Wilbur, Midfield

Reliable contributor in transition and settled offense.

5. Kenan Everhart, Attack

Provided secondary scoring and offensive depth.

6. Chase Gregory, Midfield

Strong two-way player throughout conference play.

7. Brady Quinn, Midfield

Important depth scorer and playmaker.

8. Cam McCarthy

Key veteran leader on the roster.

9. Joe Houlihan

Provided valuable minutes throughout the season.

10. Ben Abel

Important contributor to Loyola’s success.

Season Grade: A-

The Greyhounds did not win the Patriot League championship, but 2026 was still a successful season.

Offense: A
Defense: B+
Goaltending: A
Coaching: A-
Overall: A-

Loyola finished tied for first in the Patriot League, reached the conference championship game, developed one of the league’s most explosive scorers in Mason Cook, and positioned itself for future success.

For Maryland Sports Blog, the biggest takeaway is simple: Loyola men’s lacrosse is once again a serious Patriot League contender. If Cook, Watkinson, and the Greyhounds continue their upward trajectory, an NCAA Tournament return could be well within reach in 2027.