Sunday afternoon’s PLL Championship, the final installment of a thrilling 2025 season, gave “Upstate” fans a treat as the Albany-based New York Atlas were powered by three former Orangemen. Although it wasn’t one of the power sports that New York and New Jersey fans have been looking to celebrate since 2012, the Atlas’ league-best 7-3 record and pure dominance will surely be commended by the lacrosse-crazed New Yorkers. This championship comes at an opportune time for upstate NY with the recent announcement of the NLL’s Albany Firewolves relocating to Oshawa, Ontario for the upcoming season. CNY fans and Syracuse fans alike had the opportunity to see some recent ‘Cuse players capture much-deserved rings after striking out in 2024 and 2025 in the collegiate ranks.
Michael Grace
Grace had a phenomenal 10-point rookie season from his defenseman slot. Many were surprised when he fell to NY at number 22 overall in last May’s draft; his transition game alone warranted the selection. Although the Atlas were always talented, with star attackman Jeff Teat and FOGO Trevor Baptiste being continual franchise players, they lacked an ability to continually possess the ball. Grace followed up a stellar senior season with the Orange by becoming a rookie sparkplug for the Atlas’ stampede.
Jake Stevens
A rotational midfielder, Stevens’ role grew in his second year of post-Syracuse lacrosse. He corralled nine regular season points, and scored in the Atlas’ semifinal game earlier this postseason. Averaging a ground ball per game, his role may greatly increase for 2026 as players dart for that “Championship paycheck” with other teams.
Will Mark
Mark was the backup to all-world goaltender Liam Entenmann. However, this is just his second season of PLL; Mark will have his opportunity to shine soon enough. His contract expires this offseason, and he will choose to either stay with the Atlas and develop behind Entenmann or look for greener grass and try to compete for a starting job.
Jake Piseno
He did not go to Syracuse, but the local Liverpool, NY midfielder was an anchor for the Outlaws all season. He was named the 2025 Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year at the PLL award banquet. In Sunday’s title game, Piseno caused two turnovers (One of them coming in the 4th quarter which almost tipped the scales towards Denver’s comeback). He had an incredible 2025 and will only grow stronger: get ready PLL, this was just his second year in the league.
Syracuse lacrosse hopes to replicate the Atlas’ efforts by finishing the job and capturing a championship next May. With the senior (final) seasons of core players such as Joey Spallina among others, it may be their best chance yet.
