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As Mercyhurst University makes its ambitious leap into NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse, one name to watch between the pipes is sophomore goalie Jaret Jawor.

A native of Lockport, Illinois, Jawor played his high school lacrosse at Wheaton Academy, where he developed into a strong and athletic netminder. Now standing at 6-foot-3, Jawor brings size, reach, and a calming presence to the crease—traits that are quickly turning heads in his second collegiate season.

Jawor made his college debut in 2024, seeing time in six games as a freshman. He made 21 saves while posting a 6.95 goals-against average and an impressive .618 save percentage, finishing the season with a 1–0 record. His early showings hinted at potential, and in 2025, that potential has started to materialize.

This season, Jawor has stepped into a more active role, appearing in five games and making one start. Across 143 minutes of action, he's registered:

• 38 saves
• 36 goals against
• 15.06 GAA
• .514 save percentage
• 1–1 overall record

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

In NEC conference play, Jawor has stepped up under pressure, delivering a .571 save percentage across two appearances—highlighted by a standout 19-save performance against Robert Morris. Though the Lakers didn’t secure the win, Jawor’s poise and shot-stopping ability stood out in a hard-fought matchup.

The 2025 season is a landmark one for Mercyhurst. After years of dominance at the Division II level, the Lakers have entered the Division I stage with a youthful roster, a new head coach in Trey Keeley, and something to prove. While postseason eligibility will have to wait, performances from players like Jawor have helped Mercyhurst secure key wins—most notably a dominant 22–6 victory over Hampton.

As Mercyhurst builds its foundation in Division I, Jaret Jawor is emerging as a core piece of that future. With two years of eligibility left and a growing confidence in the cage, expect Jawor to continue evolving into one of the NEC’s top goaltenders.

Keep your eye on No. 12—he’s just getting started. Enjoy my conversation with future star Jaret Jawor.

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Owen Salanger has quickly made a name for himself as a standout goalie for the University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team.

A freshman from Liverpool, New York, Salanger has demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and leadership in the cage, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine.

His ability to make clutch saves and control the defense has been a key factor in UMass’s success this season.

Salanger’s lacrosse journey began at Liverpool High School, where he was a dominant force in goal. His performances earned him a spot at UMass, where he wasted no time making an impact.

In his freshman season, he posted an impressive 9-5 record as a starter, with a 9.36 goals-against average and a .565 save percentage. His 165 saves rank as the third-most all-time for a freshman netminder at UMass, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Throughout the season, Salanger has delivered standout performances, including 16 saves against Brown, 13 saves against Albany, and 12 saves against Richmond.

His consistency and ability to read the game have placed him among the top 10 goalies in the nation in save percentage and top 15 in goals-against average.

His contributions were instrumental in UMass’s push for success in the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he made 59 saves in five A-10 games.

Off the field, Salanger continues to refine his skills and study the game, drawing inspiration from elite goalies who have come before him.

His dedication to improvement and his ability to perform under pressure make him a promising talent for UMass lacrosse. As he continues to develop, Salanger is poised to become one of the premier goalies in collegiate lacrosse.

Enjoy my conversation with elite freshman goalie Owen Salanger.

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Fairfield Goalie Owen Hirsch: Confidence Is Contagious

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Fairfield University goalie Owen Hirsch to talk all things between the pipes. Owen shares his inspiring journey from a young, pad-covered beginner to D1 starter, highlighting how he conquered his fear of the ball and developed elite confidence in the cage.

The conversation dives deep into goalie mindset, techniques like the "Philly Flow" system, the importance of routines, and why confidence is contagious—especially in the goalie position. Owen also reflects on his team’s incredible 9–0 start, lessons learned from setbacks, and how leadership and mental toughness are shaping his approach going into his fifth year.

Whether you're a youth goalie, a coach, or a proud goalie parent, this episode is packed with relatable insights and actionable tips to level up your game. And yes—we even talk about how to eat the elephant… one piece at a time.

Sponsored by:

• Thigh Pro Protection: Protect your legs without sacrificing mobility – thighpro.com/lgr
• Lax Goalie Rat Academy: Join today at laxgoalierat.com/camp

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