LGR 273: Next Play, Next Save: Freshman Goalkeeper Owen Salanger's Rise at UMass

Owen Salanger has quickly made a name for himself as a standout goalie for the University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team.

A freshman from Liverpool, New York, Salanger has demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and leadership in the cage, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine.

His ability to make clutch saves and control the defense has been a key factor in UMass’s success this season.

Salanger’s lacrosse journey began at Liverpool High School, where he was a dominant force in goal. His performances earned him a spot at UMass, where he wasted no time making an impact.

In his freshman season, he posted an impressive 9-5 record as a starter, with a 9.36 goals-against average and a .565 save percentage. His 165 saves rank as the third-most all-time for a freshman netminder at UMass, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Throughout the season, Salanger has delivered standout performances, including 16 saves against Brown, 13 saves against Albany, and 12 saves against Richmond.

His consistency and ability to read the game have placed him among the top 10 goalies in the nation in save percentage and top 15 in goals-against average.

His contributions were instrumental in UMass’s push for success in the Atlantic 10 Conference, where he made 59 saves in five A-10 games.

Off the field, Salanger continues to refine his skills and study the game, drawing inspiration from elite goalies who have come before him.

His dedication to improvement and his ability to perform under pressure make him a promising talent for UMass lacrosse. As he continues to develop, Salanger is poised to become one of the premier goalies in collegiate lacrosse.

Enjoy my conversation with elite freshman goalie Owen Salanger.