PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Excitement is in the air as Rutgers men’s lacrosse celebrates a remarkable achievement this week, with three standout athletes—Joe Juengerkes, Matthew Paolatto, and Cardin Stoller—earning Honorable Mention honors on the Inside Lacrosse Midseason All-Americans list. This recognition speaks volumes about their contributions to the team and the sport, and fans are eager to see what these talented players will achieve next.
Celebrating Talent: Honorable Mentions on the Rise
Joe Juengerkes: A Game-Changing Force
Since joining the Scarlet Knights from Princeton, Joe Juengerkes has proven to be an instant impact player. His leadership qualities shone through as he was voted team captain even before taking the field in his first game. Juengerkes, a navigating short-stick midfielder from Islip, N.Y., has made significant strides this season, amassing 29 ground balls, eight caused turnovers, six goals, and one assist in just ten games—setting new career bests across all categories. His solid performances have not only boosted his game but also the overall synergy of the team.
Matthew Paolatto: Faceoff Specialist Extraordinaire
Next on the list is Matthew Paolatto, a graduate transfer from Union College. Making his mark at the faceoff ‘X’, this Sherborn, Mass. native has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor. Currently, with an impressive record of 104 wins out of 168 faceoffs, Paolatto boasts a 61.9% winning percentage, which is on track to be the best for a Scarlet Knight since Joe Nardella in 2015. With a total of 60 ground balls, a goal, and four assists this season, he has consistently delivered excellent performances, including a standout showing of 12-of-15 faceoffs against last season’s First Team All-American, Will Colletti, and a remarkable 16-of-19 at Loyola. His skills have propelled him to eighth nationally in faceoff winning percentage and placed him as the leader in the Big Ten.
Cardin Stoller: The Backbone of the Defense
Last but certainly not least, Cardin Stoller has solidified his reputation as a key figure in goal for Rutgers. A native of Owings Mills, Md., Stoller was honored as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season and has elevated his game this year. With a 60.1% save percentage and an 8.35 goals-against average, he has recorded 122 saves, ensuring his team’s defense remains intact. Stoller has consistently notched double-digit saves in every game this season, concluding with a season-high of 16 stops against Army. He has held opposing teams to single-digit goals in six of their ten games, currently ranking ninth nationally in both goals-against average and save percentage.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Matchup
With their remarkable achievements highlighted, the trio, along with their teammates, will look to build on their momentum as they head into a high-stakes game this weekend. They’ll take on the formidable No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday at 1 p.m. The anticipation is palpable, and fans can expect nothing short of an exhilarating contest that showcases the incredible talent of these Scarlet Knights.
Stay tuned as Rutgers men’s lacrosse continues to make waves in the season, pushing the limits and raising the bar for what’s possible within the sport. For more about their journey, and to catch the latest updates, visit the official Rutgers Athletics page.
