Bill Dunn was emotional.
The coach of the Molloy Lions men’s lacrosse team had gathered his players around. He was going over last-minute instructions ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s NCAA Division II men's lacrosse tournament quarterfinal game against St. Michael’s at John A. Darcy Field on the grounds of RVC Sports Complex in Rockville Centre. He was going to give one more pregame speech in a career coaching young athletes.
As he began to speak, he looked into the eyes of his seniors. He saw midfielder Brian Green and goalkeeper John Basile and midfielder Tommy Corcoran and 10 others looking back at him.
And that’s when it hit him. Like a wave crashing on a beachfront.
“This senior class was our first recruiting class at Molloy when I came in five years ago,” Dunn said a few minutes after the third-seeded Lions eliminated the seventh-seeded Purple Knights, 12-7.
“These guys,” Dunn said, “have come through the entire program.”
Which is now navigating new terrain.
With the win, Molloy (16-3) advanced to meet top-seed Adelphi at Motamed Field Sunday in one of the day’s two national semifinal games. The Panthers routed Pace, 12-5, Wednesday.
This is the first time in program history that the Lions have advanced as far as the semifinals. Adelphi ended Molloy’s 2025 season in the quarterfinals with a 21-7 win.
“It means the world to even have the opportunity to play against a team like that,” said Basile, the West Islip product who made 15 saves. “Ever since we were little we’ve wanted to play at the highest level, and we found ourselves in an opportunity where we can do that with our best friends on the field. So we’re beyond grateful. At least that’s how I feel. I’m sure (Green and Corcoran) feel the same way.”
They did. They do.
“This is the most important game of our lives,” Corcoran said. The West Islip native finished with two goals and an assist for three points in the win over St. Michael’s (10-6). “Last year, they ended our season in this game and I think we’ve all had that on our minds for a while. Going back there Sunday and getting a second shot at it is something that doesn’t happen a lot in sports and we’re grateful. We’re excited.”
Because it is one more chance to be together? Or is it for the opportunity to author a little bit of program history?
It is, to hear Green, something even simpler.
“We know we can run with anyone now,” said Green, from Kings Park. He recorded a hat trick in the win. “(To be in the Final Four), I think we’ve just got to come out, play our game and get the job done.”
Which is something Dunn fervently believes.
“I’ve mentioned (to the team) I really feel we’re going to the national final,” said Dunn, who pointed out that Molloy and Adelphi met once in the regular season, with the Lions dropping a 10-9 decision on April 7. Following that game, Molloy has won six straight. “I don’t think we’re sneaking up on anybody any longer.”
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