Stony Brook teams in action throughout 2024. The Seawolves won three CAA regular season titles and advanced to two NCAA tournaments this year. ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CARATZAS/THE STATESMAN The last 12 months have brought success, failure and great change in the world of Stony Brook sports. The Statesman has covered every second of it, recapping every single game, match and newsworthy event. Throughout the past calendar year, we have published coverage of 11 different NCAA Division I Stony Brook sports teams in addition to the Seawolves’ club hockey team. Of those 12 teams, three claimed the regular season crown in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), with two of those teams eventually moving on to the NCAA tournament. The sports section published 354 articles and four podcasts this year while 2024 also saw the first ever Statesman Sports Awards, with nine honors voted on and announced back in May. It is impossible to talk about 2024 on the North Shore of Long Island without starting with the 2023-2024 basketball season. As the calendar flipped to January, both the men’s and women’s teams caught fire. For the women, it was a continuation of an incredible season that saw it go 6-1. Perhaps the biggest moment came on Jan. 19, when center Khari Clark dropped a career-high 28 points in an 81-71 win at home. A few days later, the men’s unit came away with one of their seminal moments picking up a crucial win on Jan. 27 with an overtime win, upsetting the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The win proved to be a turning point, as the Seawolves went 6-4 in their remaining 10 regular season contests after going 3-4 to that point. The women continued to roll into February, crushing Hofstra on Feb. 16 to complete a sweep of the Battle of Long Island. In an 81-48 win, guard Gigi Gonzalez tallied 24 points to lead Stony Brook’s offense. Point guard Gigi Gonzalez penetrates through Hofstra point guard Micaela Carter on Friday, Feb. 16. Gonzalez led the Stony Brook women’s basketball team to a victory with 24 points and six assists against the Pride. STANLEY ZHENG/THE STATESMAN As winter began to give way to spring, the Stony Brook baseball team picked up its biggest moment of the season on Feb. 23. Despite missing the playoffs in what was a lost season of sorts, the baseball team once again shocked the world during its second weekend of the year. Behind enemy lines in the bayou, the Seawolves took on the reigning national champion and No. 2/3 Louisiana State University Tigers. Starting pitcher Eddie Smink firmly established himself as the team’s ace and registered five innings without allowing an earned run before giving way to freshman two-way player Erik Paulsen, who came up with a four-inning save in a 5-2 Stony Brook victory. Back on the court, the men’s basketball team stayed hot into postseason action, winning each of its first two matchups over Northeastern and Drexel. The latter set the stage for another installment of the Battle of Long Island on March 11 — this time in the CAA semifinals. On the back of a staunch defensive effort and 23 points by guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore, the Seawolves came out on top to earn a trip to their first ever CAA final. Despite a disappointing finish to the CAA tournament, the women’s basketball team picked up a nice win on the national stage on March 21. Facing the top-seeded James Madison (JMU) Dukes in the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, Stony Brook outlasted the Dukes in a thriller that featured 13 lead changes. After a loss in the next round of the tournament, the win over JMU proved to be the final win for head coach Ashley Langford as a Seawolf. April was a critical month for Stony Brook both on and off the field, as it saw Langford leave for Tulane on the month’s second day. In her place, Stony Brook Athletics announced the hiring of first-year head coach Joy McCorvey on April 15. With the lacrosse season well underway, the Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on April 9. Along with improving to 11-2, the Seawolves saw two of their stars pick up career milestones, with attacker Kailyn Hart and midfielder Ellie Masera each reaching the 200-goal plateau. Back on the diamond, the Stony Brook softball team was quietly enjoying one of the most successful stretches in program history. Between March 29 and April 26, the Seawolves did not lose a game, with the historic contest falling on April 21. In an extra innings affair against Drexel, catcher Emily Reinstein scored first baseman Corinne Badger to secure their 16th consecutive victory — a new program high-water mark. While the streak eventually ended the following weekend, Stony Brook ended up winning 18 straight ball games, eventually grabbing the third seed in the CAA softball championship. Pitcher Ashton Melaas (right) high-fives catcher Emily Reinstein (left) during the Stony Brook softball team’s 7-6 victory over Drexel on Sunday, April 21. Melaas was credited with the win on Sunday and threw six scoreless innings out of the bullpen across the weekend. MACKENZIE YADDAW/THE STATESMAN The women’s lacrosse team continued its streak of conference victories, winning its 11th straight conference title on May 4. In a 9-6 victory over Drexel at Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium, Masera (three) and Hart (two) posted five of the Seawolves’ nine goals to spearhead another trip to the NCAA women’s lacrosse tournament. While overall playoff success did not extend back to the softball field, the Seawolves did grab a first-round win, as starting pitcher Mia Haynes delivered five innings of shutout ball before reliever Ashton Melaas slammed the door in a 3-0 win over Hofstra on May 8. With the book closing on the 2023-2024 academic year, the Seawolves and The Statesman, took their summer hiatus, returning in August with the news of a major league change. On Aug. 9, it was revealed that the Stony Brook club hockey team would be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference Hockey League (ACCHL) starting in the 2025-2026 season. The new league announcement came with the announcement of a “New Era,” for the team, which is in the process of rebounding from a 7-17-4 finish in the 2023-2024 season. The 2024-2025 season truly kicked off nearly a week later, when the Stony Brook women’s soccer team started its year on a high-note, beating Colgate 2-1 on Aug. 16. The decisive blow came from an unlikely hero — defender Aneta Sováková — who found the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career. The Stony Brook women’s volleyball team got off to a hot start of its own, completing a sweep of the JMU Invitational on Aug. 31. The Seawolves took care of business in all three games, to claim its first 3-0 start since 2006. The good fortune continued for the Seawolves — this time on the gridiron. After going 0-10 in 2023 and firing former head coach Chuck Priore, the Stony Brook football team picked up its first win in 672 days on Sept. 7. In new head coach Billy Cosh’s first home game, running back Roland Dempster led the charge with 160 yards on the ground and a trio of rushing touchdowns. Tight end Cole Bunicci scores a touchdown against Stonehill on Saturday, Sept. 7. Bunicci’s 63-yard score was his only reception in the Stony Brook football team’s 37-10 win over Stonehill. BRITTNEY DIETZ/THE STATESMAN In the midst of a historically bad season for the Stony Brook men’s soccer team, the Seawolves enjoyed a key win on Oct. 8 by beating the No. 11 Seton Hall Pirates. The win marked the third and final win of the season for Stony Brook, which went on to lose its final five matches. On the other hand, the football team continued its winning ways, treating the Homecoming fans to a 35-13 win over No. 15/16 ranked William & Mary on Oct. 27. Entering the day ranked No. 24 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Seawolves leapt to No. 20 in the rankings following the victory. Nov. 9 proved to be one of the most successful days of the season for Stony Brook, with both the football and women’s soccer teams snagging signature wins. That afternoon, the football team trampled Albany at home, bringing the Golden Apple Trophy back to Long Island in a 24-6 final. That night, the women’s soccer team secured its first ever CAA title by beating Monmouth 2-1 in New Jersey. Forward Luciana Setteducate and midfielder Linn Beck tallied goals to help send the Seawolves to their fourth NCAA women’s soccer tournament. Stony Brook women’s soccer team players celebrate its CAA semifinal victory over Elon on Sunday, Nov. 3. The Seawolves also defeated Monmouth 2-1 in the final to capture the conference’s championship. BRITTNEY DIETZ/THE STATESMAN Back where we started, both basketball teams tipped off in November, playing to varying levels of success over their respective first eight weeks of play. After skid of five straight losses, the men’s team demolished Rider on Dec. 15. Headed by 20 points by guard C.J. Luster II, the win helped Stony Brook improve to 3-7 on the season as head coach Geno Ford navigates the season with a mostly new cast of players. Finally, the women’s team snapped a five-game skid of its own on Dec. 18 with a 67-29 victory at home over Georgian Court. The Seawolves picked up another win on Dec. 22, as they head into the new year on a two-game winning streak. As Stony Brook continues to play into 2025, follow along with The Statesman to stay up to date on all news pertaining to Stony Brook athletics.

Stony Brook teams in action throughout 2024. The Seawolves won three CAA regular season titles and advanced to two NCAA tournaments this year. ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CARATZAS/THE STATESMAN As winter began to give way to spring, the Stony Brook baseball team picked up its biggest moment of the season on Feb. 23. Despite missing the […]

As winter began to give way to spring, the Stony Brook baseball team picked up its biggest moment of the season on Feb. 23. Despite missing the playoffs in what was a lost season of sorts, the baseball team once again shocked the world during its second weekend of the year. Behind enemy lines in the bayou, the Seawolves took on the reigning national champion and No. 2/3 Louisiana State University Tigers. Starting pitcher Eddie Smink firmly established himself as the team’s ace and registered five innings without allowing an earned run before giving way to freshman two-way player Erik Paulsen, who came up with a four-inning save in a 5-2 Stony Brook victory.
Back on the court, the men’s basketball team stayed hot into postseason action, winning each of its first two matchups over Northeastern and Drexel. The latter set the stage for another installment of the Battle of Long Island on March 11 — this time in the CAA semifinals. On the back of a staunch defensive effort and 23 points by guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore, the Seawolves came out on top to earn a trip to their first ever CAA final.
While overall playoff success did not extend back to the softball field, the Seawolves did grab a first-round win, as starting pitcher Mia Haynes delivered five innings of shutout ball before reliever Ashton Melaas slammed the door in a 3-0 win over Hofstra on May 8.
April was a critical month for Stony Brook both on and off the field, as it saw Langford leave for Tulane on the month’s second day. In her place, Stony Brook Athletics announced the hiring of first-year head coach Joy McCorvey on April 15.
The 2024-2025 season truly kicked off nearly a week later, when the Stony Brook women’s soccer team started its year on a high-note, beating Colgate 2-1 on Aug. 16. The decisive blow came from an unlikely hero — defender Aneta Sováková — who found the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career.

Point guard Gigi Gonzalez penetrates through Hofstra point guard Micaela Carter on Friday, Feb. 16. Gonzalez led the Stony Brook women’s basketball team to a victory with 24 points and six assists against the Pride. *STANLEY ZHENG/THE STATESMAN*

The Stony Brook women’s volleyball team got off to a hot start of its own, completing a sweep of the JMU Invitational on Aug. 31. The Seawolves took care of business in all three games, to claim its first 3-0 start since 2006.
Finally, the women’s team snapped a five-game skid of its own on Dec. 18 with a 67-29 victory at home over Georgian Court. The Seawolves picked up another win on Dec. 22, as they head into the new year on a two-game winning streak.
Nov. 9 proved to be one of the most successful days of the season for Stony Brook, with both the football and women’s soccer teams snagging signature wins. That afternoon, the football team trampled Albany at home, bringing the Golden Apple Trophy back to Long Island in a 24-6 final.
Throughout the past calendar year, we have published coverage of 11 different NCAA Division I Stony Brook sports teams in addition to the Seawolves’ club hockey team. Of those 12 teams, three claimed the regular season crown in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), with two of those teams eventually moving on to the NCAA tournament. The sports section published 354 articles and four podcasts this year while 2024 also saw the first ever Statesman Sports Awards, with nine honors voted on and announced back in May.
The last 12 months have brought success, failure and great change in the world of Stony Brook sports. The Statesman has covered every second of it, recapping every single game, match and newsworthy event.
Back on the diamond, the Stony Brook softball team was quietly enjoying one of the most successful stretches in program history. Between March 29 and April 26, the Seawolves did not lose a game, with the historic contest falling on April 21. In an extra innings affair against Drexel, catcher Emily Reinstein scored first baseman Corinne Badger to secure their 16th consecutive victory — a new program high-water mark. While the streak eventually ended the following weekend, Stony Brook ended up winning 18 straight ball games, eventually grabbing the third seed in the CAA softball championship.

Pitcher Ashton Melaas (right) high-fives catcher Emily Reinstein (left) during the Stony Brook softball team’s 7-6 victory over Drexel on Sunday, April 21. Melaas was credited with the win on Sunday and threw six scoreless innings out of the bullpen across the weekend. *MACKENZIE YADDAW*/*THE STATESMAN*

The women continued to roll into February, crushing Hofstra on Feb. 16 to complete a sweep of the Battle of Long Island. In an 81-48 win, guard Gigi Gonzalez tallied 24 points to lead Stony Brook’s offense.
With the lacrosse season well underway, the Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on April 9. Along with improving to 11-2, the Seawolves saw two of their stars pick up career milestones, with attacker Kailyn Hart and midfielder Ellie Masera each reaching the 200-goal plateau.
Despite a disappointing finish to the CAA tournament, the women’s basketball team picked up a nice win on the national stage on March 21. Facing the top-seeded James Madison (JMU) Dukes in the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, Stony Brook outlasted the Dukes in a thriller that featured 13 lead changes. After a loss in the next round of the tournament, the win over JMU proved to be the final win for head coach Ashley Langford as a Seawolf.
That night, the women’s soccer team secured its first ever CAA title by beating Monmouth 2-1 in New Jersey. Forward Luciana Setteducate and midfielder Linn Beck tallied goals to help send the Seawolves to their fourth NCAA women’s soccer tournament.
In the midst of a historically bad season for the Stony Brook men’s soccer team, the Seawolves enjoyed a key win on Oct. 8 by beating the No. 11 Seton Hall Pirates. The win marked the third and final win of the season for Stony Brook, which went on to lose its final five matches.
As Stony Brook continues to play into 2025, follow along with The Statesman to stay up to date on all news pertaining to Stony Brook athletics.

Tight end Cole Bunicci scores a touchdown against Stonehill on Saturday, Sept. 7. Bunicci’s 63-yard score was his only reception in the Stony Brook football team’s 37-10 win over Stonehill. *BRITTNEY DIETZ/THE STATESMAN*

Back where we started, both basketball teams tipped off in November, playing to varying levels of success over their respective first eight weeks of play.
A few days later, the men’s unit came away with one of their seminal moments picking up a crucial win on Jan. 27 with an overtime win, upsetting the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The win proved to be a turning point, as the Seawolves went 6-4 in their remaining 10 regular season contests after going 3-4 to that point.
On the other hand, the football team continued its winning ways, treating the Homecoming fans to a 35-13 win over No. 15/16 ranked William & Mary on Oct. 27. Entering the day ranked No. 24 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Seawolves leapt to No. 20 in the rankings following the victory.
The good fortune continued for the Seawolves — this time on the gridiron. After going 0-10 in 2023 and firing former head coach Chuck Priore, the Stony Brook football team picked up its first win in 672 days on Sept. 7. In new head coach Billy Cosh’s first home game, running back Roland Dempster led the charge with 160 yards on the ground and a trio of rushing touchdowns.

Stony Brook women’s soccer team players celebrate its CAA semifinal victory over Elon on Sunday, Nov. 3. The Seawolves also defeated Monmouth 2-1 in the final to capture the conference’s championship. *BRITTNEY DIETZ/THE STATESMAN*

After skid of five straight losses, the men’s team demolished Rider on Dec. 15. Headed by 20 points by guard C.J. Luster II, the win helped Stony Brook improve to 3-7 on the season as head coach Geno Ford navigates the season with a mostly new cast of players.
The women’s lacrosse team continued its streak of conference victories, winning its 11th straight conference title on May 4. In a 9-6 victory over Drexel at Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium, Masera (three) and Hart (two) posted five of the Seawolves’ nine goals to spearhead another trip to the NCAA women’s lacrosse tournament.
It is impossible to talk about 2024 on the North Shore of Long Island without starting with the 2023-2024 basketball season. As the calendar flipped to January, both the men’s and women’s teams caught fire. For the women, it was a continuation of an incredible season that saw it go 6-1. Perhaps the biggest moment came on Jan. 19, when center Khari Clark dropped a career-high 28 points in an 81-71 win at home.
With the book closing on the 2023-2024 academic year, the Seawolves and The Statesman, took their summer hiatus, returning in August with the news of a major league change. On Aug. 9, it was revealed that the Stony Brook club hockey team would be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference Hockey League (ACCHL) starting in the 2025-2026 season. The new league announcement came with the announcement of a “New Era,” for the team, which is in the process of rebounding from a 7-17-4 finish in the 2023-2024 season.