The SFU lacrosse team opened its season at home against Longwood on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The team will return to action this Saturday, traveling to Lehigh for a noon match against the Mountain Hawks.

SFU is looking to improve and build on the experience it gained last season. The team posted a 5-11 mark in 2022.

“I am excited for the season to start after one of our most successful off-seasons since I have been a part of the team,” said junior attacker Tori Petrie.

“We have a big freshman class coming in this year and they are already making a tremendous impact.”

This year’s roster includes six freshmen. Three of the newcomers are attackers.

“I am so excited,” said senior team captain Kelly Dickson. “We have a great group of girls that are motivated.”

Dickson started all 16 games last season, finishing with three assists, 28 ground balls and 26 draw controls.

Midfielder Autumn McHenry is the team’s top-returning scorer. The graduate student from Branford, Connecticut, topped last year’s squad in goals (41), assists (19) and points (60).

Head coach Tracy Coyne enters her fourth season as head coach of the program in 2023.

“We have high standards for this season,” said Petrie.