RIVERDALE, NY — Manhattan men's lacrosse received word of postseason honors on Friday morning, per a release from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Graduate goalie Connor Hapward has been named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-MAAC First Team, while senior defenseman Damien Blando and senior midfielder Kelly DuPree garnered First and Second Team honors, respectively.
"It is always rewarding when our players are recognized for their commitment and dedication," said Manhattan head coach Doug Sage. "Connor, Damien and Kelly have been integral parts of our program's success over the past 4 to 5 years.Their individual MAAC All-Conference awards are a product of having great teammates that challenge and support them every day."
Hapward has been instrumental in the Jaspers' run to the postseason in 2025, tallying 191 saves and boasting a .577 saves percentage (1st in MAAC). Additionally, he is top three in the conference charts in goals against average (10.24, 3rd) and saves per game (13.64, 2nd). No other goalkeeper in the conference is top three in each of the aforementioned categories.
On a national scale, Hapward ranks seventh in saves per game and 11th in save percentage. The Jaspers' defensive unit, which is led by First Team selection Damien Blando, has combined with Hapward to yield top 30 national marks in clearing percentage (.876, 20th) and scoring defense (10.21, 30th).
In being named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, Hapward is the first Jasper to take home the prestigious honor since former netminder Brendan Krebs was awarded MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Hapward is also the third Manhattan goalie to be named to an All-MAAC Team in four of the last six seasons, excluding the 2020 season that was terminated due to COVID-19.
Blando's First Team mention comes on the heels of a regular season during which he amassed 34 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers while leading a stout defensive unit. Blando has started 31 games across his four-year career in Riverdale, and was named an All-MAAC Second Team selection in 2024.
DuPree's Second Team nod was made possible from his 23-goal and 10-assist regular season campaign. His near two-dozen goal output leads Manhattan on the season, while his assist number is second highest on the squad. Across the past two seasons, DuPree has accrued 47 goals and 24 assists. This is the second straight season DuPree has earned All-MAAC Second Team laurels.
Manhattan enters the postseason as the #5 seed in the 2025 MAAC Championship. Manhattan will travel to #4 Marist for a MAAC Quarterfinals match-up on Sunday at 4 p.m. on ESPN+.
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