The lacrosse team will travel to Youngstown State University to open its 16-game schedule on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.

The team was picked sixth in the Northeast Conference in preseason voting by the league’s coaches, ahead of Merrimack, Central Connecticut State and Howard. The teams picked ahead of SFU in the preseason poll were Mount Saint Mary’s, Wagner, LIU, Bryant and Sacred Heart.

The team is excited to get the 2022 season started after posting a 4-9 mark last year.

Six of SFU’s nine losses in 2021 were by five goals or less and almost all of the team’s games were competitive.

“I am looking forward to finally getting to showcase our skills that we have worked so hard at this year,” said fifth-year senior captain Amanda Heidt.

“We have been putting in the work during the offseason and I am excited to see it all pay off.”

Heidt believes that the chemistry on this year’s team will translate into success on the field.

“The team has such a special bond,” said the Physical Therapy major from Erie. “Collectively, we have such great relationships with one another and enjoy being together every day.

“I am excited to see how the team chemistry will translate to a game setting.”

Senior captain Autumn McHenry believes that SFU is positioned to make a run at the NEC postseason.

“What I’m looking forward to is getting a chance at playing in the NEC playoffs for the first time in program history,” said McHenry. “We have gotten close in the past and we are ready to bring our program to the next level by earning a spot in the tournament.”

The lacrosse team will play its first home game at DeGol Field on Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.