Expectations arrived in Happy Valley long before the first faceoff. Penn State men’s lacrosse opened the season ranked No. 7 in the nation after last year’s Final Four run and talent on the roster. A high ranking also equals a high standard.

Saturday’s 14–13 loss to Villanova inside Holuba Hall served as an early line in the sand checkmark. In a one-goal contest that slipped away in overtime, Penn State showed flashes of how explosive the offense can be, but also the vulnerabilities that could limit its ceiling if not corrected. 

“With Princeton on the horizon, it has all my thoughts,” head coach Jeff Tambroni said following the loss. “The biggest point of emphasis coming out of the first two games is not playing better, but playing better together as a team. And I believe that will result in the right things.” 

If there has been one steady piece of the team at this point in the season, it’s sophomore attackman Hunter Aquino. The 6’5″ attacker leads the team with seven goals and 10 total points through two games, using his length and feel for the game to create generous matchups. 

“Hunter has tremendous length,” Tambroni said. “He believes in himself and his mindset is super confident. He has all the tools. I love Hunter’s approach because he is humble when things are going well, but super resilient when things aren’t. He has a great feel for the game that helps put him in advantageous positions.” 

Penn State’s offense has delivered so far despite occasional sloppiness. The Nittany Lions have tallied at least 13 goals in both contests this season, generating consistent scoring opportunities heavily due to dominance in the faceoff game. Through two games, Penn State has won 42 of 66 faceoffs, which equals a commanding 64% win rate.  

“The faceoffs have helped put us in a position to win,” Tambroni said. “You want to win them at the right time.” 

While the offense has produced, the defense has struggled to match that standard. 

Penn State has allowed 14 goals in each of its first two games to unranked opponents. For a program with postseason aspirations and fresh memories of an NCAA semifinal appearance, that statistic proves sour.

The defensive struggles surfaced in the second half against Villanova. After finally pulling away with a couple of scores, the defense allowed the Wildcats to answer back with a scoring party of their own, with four unanswered goals.  

“We did not play well enough in the fourth quarter against Villanova,” Tambroni said. “You must win clutch faceoffs. The faceoff duo has done everything and then some, but as a team we must be better when the game is tight at the end. We need to seize the moment and have poise.” 

The team is also still evaluating its options in goal, splitting time as both goalies gain experience. 

“We’re still figuring things out with goalies but have a lot of confidence in both,” Tambroni said. “They both work extremely hard and need experience. We’re trying to figure out in the long term what is going to be best.” 

Even in defeat, Tambroni credited Villanova’s approach. 

“I think Villanova’s defense played a gritty, blue-collar style game,” he said. “They put themselves in positions to earn a couple goals.” 

There will be little time to dwell on early-season frustrations with a ranked matchup on the horizon.  

No. 3 Princeton will host the Nittany Lions on Saturday. Though the Tigers have yet to play their first game, they carry heavy preseason hype, fueled by elite recruiting classes and returning firepower like junior attacker Nate Kabiri, who scored 32 goals last season. 

“I’m not sure if any program has as many five-stars as Princeton does,” Tambroni said. “They do very well in recruiting, and the offense is loaded not just on the field but also on the sidelines. They are growing their chemistry. They are exciting to watch as a lacrosse fan and are loaded with talent.” 

The two teams last met in February 2025, with Princeton beating Penn State 11-10. Coach Tambroni believes last year’s meeting provided valuable lessons. He also gave credit to Princeton junior goalie Ryan Croddick, who had a save percentage of 56% in 2025. 

“He’s earned our respect, but we learned some of his tendencies,” Tambroni said.

For Penn State, the challenge isn’t just about slowing down a high-powered Princeton attack. It’s about sharpening its own identity. 

The Nittany Lions have proven they can score and control possession. What remains is tightening the defensive end and, as Tambroni emphasized, growing together in high-pressure moments. There is a long season ahead and months before May lacrosse begins, but the opportunity is immediate. 

Penn State won’t just be chasing a win against the Tigers. It will be chasing a statement to show its placement as a top 10 program. Tambroni’s expectations remain the same.