Aquinas Rebuilds Around Senior Core

Preseason Outlook

Aquinas enters the 2026 season in the midst of significant transition following an 8–9 campaign in 2025. The Irish competed well last season, winning five games by more than five goals and playing six contests decided within five. But with major graduation losses and three key players transferring out, the roster turns sharply toward new roles and developmental growth. Only one offensive starter returns, positioning 2026 as a season of rebuilding and recalibration for a team that now leans on internal development and senior stability.

Returning Players

The offensive unit brings back just one returning starter: senior attackman Jack Bell, the lone holdover from last year’s starting offense. His presence will be essential as Aquinas replaces nearly all of its scoring, especially with only 12 percent of goals and 10 percent of assists returning from 2025.

Defensively, the Irish retain more experience. Senior goalie Jake Gibson returns after announcing his commitment to Canisius, while senior defenders Caleb Wood—who signed with Division II Molloy—and Owen Shavron stabilize the back line. With the offense in flux, the returning defensive core becomes a foundational strength.

Roster change continues with the departure of significant players. The graduation of athletes such as Ethan Copeland, Blake Cusse, Dom Siesto, Gio Valerie, and All Section attackman Noah Olbrich leaves major holes. Compounding that, Aquinas lost three high impact players to transfer: Jake Guggino, who led the team with 53 goals and 68 points; Tano Auriuso, who scored 28 goals and 14 assists; and Ares Miller, who added 4 goals and 4 assists. These departures remove much of the continuity from last year’s offense and require rapid emergence from new contributors.

Coaching Information

Head Coach Billy Lombardi enters his second season after an 8–9 debut and continues to guide a team undergoing significant structural change. As an Aquinas alum, Lombardi emphasizes steady development and accountability. Speaking about the year ahead, he noted, “We are always looking for ways to get a little bit better daily. We are fortunate to have the seniors that we do, as they have provided a sense of stability and mentorship to our team. With some of the young players and guys taking on different roles this year, their leadership will prove to be crucial as we work to continuously improve and evolve.”

Games This Year

Aquinas once again competes as an independent program, with no league designated games. The 2026 schedule includes a varied mix of opponents, beginning with St. Francis on March 25, followed by a three game stretch against Newark on March 31, April 2, and April 4. Additional non league matchups include Geneva (April 11), Rush Henrietta (April 18), Fairport (April 24), Brighton (May 1), Akron (May 7), Midlakes (May 16), and Thomas (May 19). Independent meetings include McQuaid Jesuit on April 9, Batavia Notre Dame on April 21, and Haverling on May 5.
The Irish face a demanding schedule with few soft spots, giving new offensive pieces ample opportunities to gain experience.

Statistical Overview

Aquinas scored 160 goals in 2025, averaging 9.4 goals per game, while allowing 169 goals for a 9.9 goals against average. The team played six one goal margin or close contests and enters 2026 with only 19 goals and 7 assists returning, making the defensive stability and senior leadership crucial components of their preseason outlook.