The America East Conference announced on April 29 that five members of the Vermont Catamounts men’s lacrosse team have earned all-conference honors, including one player named Faceoff Specialist of the Year.
The recognition highlights the achievements of several athletes following a strong regular season for the Catamounts. The awards underscore individual performances and contributions to the team’s success in conference play.
Zhao was named Faceoff Specialist of the Year after leading America East and ranking third nationally in faceoff percentage at 68.5 percent and ground balls per game with an average of 8.73. He recorded a career-high 17 ground balls against UAlbany on April 11, 2026, and was also selected to the All-Conference First Team.
Combs earned All-Conference First Team honors after finishing second in caused turnovers per game (2.08) and fifth in ground balls per game (4.42) within the conference, as well as ranking fifteenth nationally in caused turnovers per game. This marks Combs’ third consecutive selection to the All-Conference First Team.
Another Catamount received both Second Team and All-Rookie Team honors by leading Vermont with 35 points on thirteen goals and twenty-two assists during regular season play; his assist total ranked third in America East while his point total placed sixth overall. He posted a career-high eight points against Quinnipiac on February 28, 2026.
A further member was named to the All-Rookie Team after totaling nineteen ground balls and eight caused turnovers during regular season action, including a personal best five ground balls against Dartmouth on February 20, 2026.
Frattaroli rounded out Vermont’s honorees by being selected for the All-Academic Team while leading his team with twenty-six goals this season; he finished fifth in conference goals per game (2.36), eighth in points per game (2.64), and ninth in shots per game (5.73).
Vermont is scheduled to play No. 2 seed Bryant in the America East semifinals Thursday at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.
