BOSTON – With the 2022 men's lacrosse season right around the corner, the America East released its Preseason Poll on Wednesday. The Seawolves were picked to finish second based on a vote by the league's seven head coaches.  
 
"We are really excited to get the 2022 season underway in just a few short weeks. Our guys have been working hard in practice and it will be a great opportunity to play another opponent on Friday as we scrimmage Manhattan. We are looking forward to our season opener on February 12, against Fairfield when we welcome our fans back to LaValle Stadium," said men's lacrosse head coach Anthony Gilardi.   
 
Stony Brook came in second with a total of 27 votes. The reigning America East champions Vermont were picked as the preseason favorite with 36 total votes and six first-place votes. UAlbany was selected to finish in third-place as it came in right behind the Seawolves with 26 votes. In fourth-place was UMBC with 25 votes and one first-place vote. Binghamton, NJIT, and UMass Lowell rounded out the poll in fifth, sixth, and seventh-place, respectively.
 
The Seawolves return All-Conference selections Dylan Pallonetti, Mike McCannell, Michael Sabella, David Estrella, and Austin Deskewicz to their 2022 roster. In addition to being an All-America East First Team and All-Rookie selection, Pallonetti was the league's Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. He became the first student-athlete in America East history to win the Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.
 
Stony Brook gets the 2022 season underway on Saturday, February 12, when its hosts Fairfield at noon. The upcoming schedule is highlighted by seven home games at LaValle Stadium including meetings with 2021 NCAA Tournament teams Rutgers, Syracuse, and Vermont.
 
Following a pair of home games to start the season, the Seawolves take part in the LI Cup being hosted by Hofstra on February 25, and February 27. Stony Brook faces New York foe St. John's on February 25, and their opponent on February 27, will be determined following the opening round of the tournament. 
 
All 2022 home games are set to broadcast on ESPN3/+ for the first time in program history.
 
2022 America East Preseason Poll
1. Vermont – 36 (6)
2. Stony Brook – 27                                     
3. UAlbany – 26
4. UMBC – 25 (1)
5. Binghamton – 15
6. NJIT – 11
7. UMass Lowell – 7
 
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