(Photo Courtesy of Army West Point Athletics)

The 2022 college lacrosse season is in the books. And just like always, there were freshmen who stood out amongst the rest and shined during their first season of college lacrosse.

Over the next week and change, Lacrosse Bucket will be highlighting freshmen who made significant impacts at their respective positions during the 2022 season. Here is a look at some of the top freshmen at the goalie and faceoff positions.

Before we get started, I must lay out that for this exercise I am only including players who were listed as true freshman on their team’s roster instead of including all “first-year” players, which would include redshirt freshman and, this year, some sophomores.

Matthew Nunes, G, Virginia – A highly-rated recruit, Nunes came in and earned that starting nod in between the pipes for the back-to-back for the Cavaliers. The Texas native thrived in that spot as he made 159 saves with a 49% save percentage.

Matt LaCombe, G, Colgate – LaCombe stepped into the cage as a starter on day one and never left. A Manlius, N.Y., native, LaCombe made 171 saves with a 53% save percentage. That included a 17-save game, plus two 15-save performances. –

Will Coletti, FO, Army West Point – Following a season in which the Black Knights struggled at the faceoff dot, Coletti arrived at West Point and proved to be a difference maker at the position. He went 197-for-350 (56%) at the dot to help give that talented Army offense those extra possessions.

Trent Grainger, FO, St. Bonaventure – Grainger came onto the college lacrosse scene fast and furious, practically changed the situation at the faceoff dot for the Bonnies overnight. What was once a weak spot for them, was now more of a strength. Grainger went 129-for-244 (52%) this past spring.

Jared Chenoy, FO, Richmond – Helping the Spiders win the SoCon and reach the NCAA Tournament, Chenoy went 172-for-323 (51%)

Johnny Richiusa, FO, Canisius – Richiusa proved to be a very big asset for the Golden Griffins this past season, going 149-for-286 (52%).