ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University men's lacrosse program has experienced many changes over the course of the off-season.

The Redhawks have a new head coach and several players stepping into new roles, but the team's ultimate goal remains the same: winning their first East Coast Conference championship.

ECC coaches ranked Roberts third in their preseason poll behind defending champion Molloy and Mercy. The Redhawks received one first-place vote.

"I would definitely say that we're going to be a strong defensive team and we've got some young guys learning on the offensive end," said head coach Rocky Delfino Jr., who moves into the role held by his father, Rocky Delfino Sr. since the program's inception in 2011. "We're going to be one of those teams that isn't going to give up."

The Redhawks open their season on Feb. 16 with a non-conference game at Malone University.

Here are five things to know about the Redhawks:

THEY'RE BUILT FROM THE BACK

Delfino Jr. was a four-year starter on defense while playing for his father from 2016-19 and served as the Redhawks' defensive coordinator during his four seasons as an assistant coach.
Roberts will be built from the back and return three experienced defenders in seniors Brady Kustra, Liam Linden and Connor Pearce.
"They're definitely a focal point to the team, they're that backbone that you need," Delfino said. "They can play any matchup they want. It's just a nice feeling to have three guys out there that have been playing at this level for four years. The trust I have in those guys is crazy."
Kustra has been selected First-Team All-ECC the past two seasons, Linen set a school record by causing 37 turnovers last season and Pearce, a four-year starter, is the group's vocal leader on the field.
Sophomore Leo Cohrs appeared in nine games last season and has had an impressive preseason.

KAYSER LEADS GOALKEEPING GROUP

Senior Garrett Kayser has started the past 30 games and has shown an ability to come up big for the Redhawks. Kayser made 121 saves in 14 games and had a 10.56 goals-against average last season.
He's the hardest worker off the field," Delfino said of Kayser, a Nursing major who was also an Academic All-District selection last season. " He's got a lot to do and he's definitely a game changer for us."
Sophomore Landon Brimmer gained experience by appearing in five games last season. The position is bolstered by freshman Julien Montalvo, who made more than 700 saves in his high school career, and junior Matt Beachel.

MIDFIELD BOASTS TALENT AND EXPERIENCE

The Redhawks have a solid mix of talent and experience in the midfield this season.
"We definitely have some weapons in the midfield this year that will help us," Delfino said. "Hopefully they don't get too tired because we're going to be running some two-way guys."
The group is led by senior Sam Keens, who was an Academic All-District selection last season.
"To me, Sam should be an All-American short stick middie," Delfino said. "The things he does on the field are just crazy."
Juniors Brady Alexander, Jett Richardson, Killian Ceci, Colton Ugine and Jack Donovan also return.
Alexander and freshman Owen Scott are strong at the long stick middie position, and Ceci, Ugine and Donovan are primed to step into larger roles.
Sophomore Cody Coleman scored 18 goals as a freshman and will play a significant role and freshman Nixon Karcz who has good size and the ability to dodge and drive.
Senior Isaac Marrero has won 567 face-offs in his first three seasons and ranked second in the conference among full-time face-off men by winning at a 67 percent clip (211 of 315) in 2025.
"Ike's one of a kind," Delfino said. "He loves the game. He will watch film on the other faceoff guy and really pick apart his game. We like having Ike up there for us."
Sophomore Anthony Vitale won nearly 60% of his face-offs (31 of 52) last season.

THEY HAVE ABILITY ON ATTACK

The Redhawks have historically fielded a formidable attack line and this season should be no different.
Sophomore Chase Wilson led the Redhawks in both goals (29) and points last season and is a lefty who is strong off the ball and can finish.
Junior Ryan Brown scored 21 goals and added 13 assists last season and will be a leader up front. Brown could step into the role of facilitator this season.
Roberts will also be boosted by the return of junior Preston Steve and the addition of sophomore Colin Duncan. Steve put up 25 points, including 16 goals, as a freshman but missed last season with an injury. Duncan, a transfer from the University at Albany, has good size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and could be a force near the crease.

THEY'LL BE HITTING THE ROAD

The Redhawks are scheduled to play eight of their 12 games, including their first six, on the road this season.
Roberts will open East Coast Conference play at preseason pick Molloy on March 14 and play its first home game against Lake Erie College on March 25 on Redhawks Field.
Other home games are April 4 against Mercy for the Face Off Against Cancer game, April 11 against Frostburg State and April 25 against Saint Thomas Aquinas College.