Men's lacrosse set to open 2026 season at home

On Saturday, the Otterbein University men's lacrosse team opens its 2026 campaign with a roster ready to embrace new roles. With fresh faces stepping into key positions and experienced returners anchoring both ends of the field, the Cardinals are aiming to make a strong push in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Head coach Colin Hartnett enters his 17th season at the helm — the only coach in program history. Under Hartnett's leadership, the Cardinals have compiled a 142-115 overall record. In the OAC Preseason Poll, Otterbein was selected to finish third, trailing defending Regular Season Champion Baldwin Wallace University and Tournament Champion Ohio Northern University.

Junior attackman Jack Regruth headlines the offense after posting 35 points last season. With the Cardinals graduating their top two scorers from 2025, Regruth will be key to Otterbein's offense. Andrew Lewis is poised for a breakout after a 17-goal, 18-assist campaign last year. Senior Zach Mulligan adds veteran leadership and scoring, coming off a 22-goal junior season.

Defensively, the Cardinals return Nick Miller and Max Esque, who each caused nine turnovers last season. Sam Becker provides versatility in the midfield, seeing time at the faceoff X in 2025 and collecting 32 ground balls. Upperclassmen Matthew Reader and Marcus Wright add depth and experience to the squad, giving Harnett plenty of options to rely on. In goal, Otterbein brings back both Zach Courie and Will Hoschak, who both saw time in 2025. The duo combined for 65 saves across 10 games.

The 2026 season begins Saturday at home as Otterbein welcomes Allegheny College for a 1 p.m. faceoff. The matchup opens a challenging non-conference stretch that includes contests against MIAA Champion Albion College and The College of Wooster.

OAC competition begins Mar. 21 with a road trip to Heidelberg University. That matchup sets the stage for a home showdown in March against NCAA Tournament participant Ohio Northern. The regular season concludes April 22 at home against the Pioneers of Marietta College.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Sam Becker: Midfield; 5' 11"; Senior

#42 Zach Courie: Goalie; 5' 7"; Junior

#31 Max Esque: Defense; 6' 1"; Junior

#17 Will Hoschak: Goalie; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#14 Andrew Lewis: Midfield; 5' 10"; Junior

#32 Nick Miller: Defense; 6' 2"; Junior

#4 Zach Mulligan: Midfield; 5' 10"; Senior

#13 Matthew Reader: Midfield; 5' 10"; Junior

#51 Jack Regruth: Attack; 6' 1"; Junior

#2 Marcus Wright: Midfield; 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#3 Sam Becker
: 5' 11"; Senior
: Midfield

#42 Zach Courie
: 5' 7"; Junior
: Goalie

#31 Max Esque
: 6' 1"; Junior
: Defense

#17 Will Hoschak
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: Goalie

#14 Andrew Lewis
: 5' 10"; Junior
: Midfield

#32 Nick Miller
: 6' 2"; Junior
: Defense

#4 Zach Mulligan
: 5' 10"; Senior
: Midfield

#13 Matthew Reader
: 5' 10"; Junior
: Midfield

#51 Jack Regruth
: 6' 1"; Junior
: Attack

#2 Marcus Wright
: 6' 1"; Senior
: Midfield