Monmouth men’s lacrosse earned a statement CAA victory on Mar. 21, edging Hofstra 13–12 in a thrilling contest defined by an explosive start and a clutch defensive finish.
The Hawks (4–4, 1–1 CAA) came out firing early in Hempstead, setting the tone with one of their most complete first halves of the season. Monmouth quickly built a commanding 9–1 lead, overwhelming Hofstra with efficient offense and strong possession play. Crisp passing, smart shot selection, and strong off-ball movement allowed the Hawks to consistently find open looks and convert on their opportunities. That early surge proved critical, as the Pride (2–6, 0–2 CAA) mounted a furious comeback attempt in the second half that nearly flipped the result.
Offensively, Monmouth showcased both balance and efficiency. Rather than relying on one player, multiple Hawks contributed in the scoring column, making it difficult for Hofstra’s defense to key in on a single threat. The team generated 38 total shots and consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities, particularly in the first half when they controlled the pace of play. By comparison, Hofstra finished with 45 shots, including a heavy push in the fourth quarter, but struggled early to match Monmouth’s intensity and execution.
Faceoff play and possession also played a key role in Monmouth’s early success. Winning key draws allowed the Hawks to control tempo and limit Hofstra’s chances to respond during that opening run. Defensively, Monmouth communicated well and forced tough shots, while goalkeeper Dylan Cadigan came up with timely saves that helped build and maintain the early lead.
After taking a sizable halftime advantage, Monmouth entered the third quarter looking to maintain control. However, momentum began to shift as Hofstra adjusted offensively and found success attacking the Hawks’ defense. The Pride increased their physicality, pushed the pace, and began to find better shooting opportunities. As a result, they chipped away at the deficit, slowly cutting into Monmouth’s lead and putting pressure on the Hawks to respond.
The fourth quarter turned into a high-pressure battle. Hofstra erupted for 18 shots in the final period alone, aggressively pushing the tempo and forcing Monmouth onto its heels. What had once been a comfortable lead quickly disappeared, and the Hawks found themselves in a one-goal game with time winding down. The shift in momentum tested Monmouth’s composure and ability to execute under pressure.
Despite the late surge, Monmouth’s defense delivered when it mattered most. In the final minutes, the Hawks made key stops and forced critical turnovers to preserve the narrow lead. Defensive rotations improved late, and players stepped up individually to win matchups and disrupt Hofstra’s rhythm. Cadigan also played a crucial role down the stretch, making important saves that prevented the Pride from completing the comeback.
The win highlights a key theme for Monmouth this season: the importance of playing a complete game. While the Hawks demonstrated their offensive potential with a dominant first half, the second half exposed areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining defensive consistency and limiting opponent momentum. Learning how to close out games more effectively will be important as the season continues.
Still, the resilience shown in the closing moments is a positive takeaway. In conference play, where games are often decided by small margins, the ability to execute under pressure is crucial. Monmouth proved it can handle those moments, even when a comfortable lead begins to slip.
This victory also carries added importance as a road win in CAA play. Beating a conference opponent away from home can provide a major confidence boost and help set the tone for the rest of the schedule. It also gives the Hawks momentum as they continue to compete in a highly competitive conference.
As the Hawks move forward, consistency will be key. If Monmouth can combine its early-game offensive execution with a full 60-minute defensive effort, it has the potential to be a strong competitor in the CAA.
In the end, Saturday’s matchup was a tale of two halves—but also a testament to Monmouth’s resilience. The Hawks struck early, weathered the storm, and held on when it mattered most, earning a hard-fought 13–12 road victory over Hofstra.
The team will face off against the Hampton Pirates on Hesse Field on Mar. 28 at 11:00 a.m., as they look to build on this important conference win.
