A Season of Grit and Growth: Reviewing Duke Men’s Lacrosse’s Unpredictable 2025 Campaign

The 2025 Duke men’s lacrosse season was a true rollercoaster, a narrative woven with moments of dazzling brilliance, frustrating inconsistency, and ultimately, a premature end in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round. Entering the year, whispers of a “down year” circulated after the departure of generational talents like Brennan O’Neill, but Coach John Danowski’s squad, as always, defied easy categorization, showcasing a resilience that kept them in contention despite significant shifts in their offensive and defensive identity. Their final 12-6 record, while respectable, doesn’t fully capture the thrilling highs and character-testing lows that defined their journey.

The early season for the Blue Devils was a test of adaptability. With O’Neill’s departure, the offensive burden was redistributed, emphasizing ball movement and shared responsibility. While some prognosticators predicted a more efficient, less hero-ball reliant attack, the transition was not always seamless. There were flashes of this new fluidity, particularly in games where multiple players contributed significantly to the score sheet. Graduate student Eric Malever stepped up admirably, leading the team in both goals and assists, showcasing his expanded role and leadership. Senior Andrew McAdorey continued to be a dynamic force from the midfield, proving his offensive versatility. Perhaps the most exciting development on the offensive end was the emergence of sophomore midfielder Benn Johnston, who lived up to his preseason hype and then some. Johnston’s powerful shot and ability to create for himself and others made him a consistent threat, often drawing the attention of opposing defenses and opening up opportunities for his teammates. Freshman Liam Kershis also proved to be a valuable addition to the attack, providing a spark and demonstrating promising potential for future seasons.

Defensively, Duke carved out a strong identity, particularly in the latter half of the season. Under the guidance of Coach Danowski, known for his defensive acumen, the unit coalesced into a formidable force. They prided themselves on limiting opponents to single digits, a feat they achieved in six consecutive games leading into the postseason. This defensive prowess was a stark contrast to some of the higher-scoring affairs seen in previous years and became a bedrock of their success. Junior short-stick defensive midfielder Aidan Maguire was a standout, earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in the ACC, a testament to his disruptive play and ability to impact both ends of the field. Senior Jack Gray, a stalwart defensive midfielder, anchored the rope unit, providing invaluable leadership and consistency. In goal, sophomore Patrick Jameison continued to impress, delivering numerous double-digit save performances and providing a steady presence between the pipes. The defense also saw the emergence of sophomore long-stick midfielder Mac Christmas, who made program history by setting a single-season record for goals by a pole, adding an unexpected offensive dimension to his defensive responsibilities. Junior Charlie Johnson’s impressive 32 caused turnovers also highlighted the aggressive and opportunistic nature of the Duke defense.

The ACC slate, as always, presented a gauntlet of top-tier opponents. The Blue Devils navigated this challenging schedule with a mix of triumphs and narrow defeats. Early losses to Denver and Notre Dame in March exposed some of the inconsistencies that plagued them at times. However, they demonstrated their championship pedigree by bouncing back with crucial victories. A thrilling overtime win against Virginia on the road showcased their mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure. Their regular-season win against Syracuse, an 11-7 affair, was a highlight, avenging a prior loss and demonstrating their capability against a strong conference rival. The rivalry games against North Carolina were as intense as ever, with Duke securing a decisive 14-7 victory over the Tar Heels in the ACC Semifinals, a performance that hinted at their peak potential.

However, the postseason brought a familiar sting of disappointment. After a hard-fought regular season and a strong showing in the ACC Tournament semifinals, Duke faced Syracuse in the ACC Championship game. In a tight, defensive battle, the Blue Devils fell 9-8, with Syracuse’s Jimmy McCool putting on a stellar performance in goal and Syracuse dominating at the faceoff X in the crucial second half. While a tough loss, it did not diminish their standing as a respected national contender heading into the NCAA Tournament. Seeded seventh, Duke was granted a home game in the first round, a perceived advantage that ultimately did not materialize. Their season came to an abrupt end with a 16-12 loss to Georgetown, a game where Georgetown’s Aidan Carroll exploded for six goals and the Hoyas controlled the faceoff battle, particularly in the pivotal third quarter. The 16 goals allowed were the most Duke had given up all season, a stark contrast to their otherwise stingy defensive performances. This early exit from the NCAA Tournament, the first since 2016, left a bitter taste and raised questions about their ability to perform consistently on the biggest stage.

Looking back, the 2025 season for Duke men’s lacrosse was a blend of rebuilding and competing. The team showcased significant individual growth, particularly from players like Benn Johnston and Eric Malever on offense, and Aidan Maguire and Charlie Johnson on defense. They proved they could still be a formidable defensive unit and, at their best, a potent offensive force. The challenges of a post-Brennan O’Neill era were evident, leading to some offensive lulls and clearing issues that opponents exploited. The talent and depth are certainly there, and the lessons learned from this campaign, particularly the importance of consistent offensive production and faceoff dominance, will undoubtedly fuel their preparation for the seasons to come. While the ultimate goal of a national championship eluded them, the 2025 Blue Devils proved their resilience, talent, and commitment to the Duke lacrosse legacy, laying a foundation for what promises to be an even more competitive future.