Home turf advantage

There’s a hot new item for men’s lacrosse fans this season: a ticket. Preseason expectations for attendance in Robins Stadium were so strong that tickets are required for all home games for the first time. Traditionally, only football and men’s and women’s basketball have been ticketed.

The 10-year-old program entered the season ranked No. 20 and coming off its fifth NCAA tournament appearance. It faces a daunting home schedule with potential big wins in front of large home crowds. Half of the team’s home games come against teams ranked in the preseason Top 12, including No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Virginia, No. 5 Maryland, and No. 12 Georgetown.

The Spiders return eight starters and more than 85 percent of its scoring power from a year ago. Among the returning players are the A-10’s 2023 offensive, midfield, and rookie players of the year.

Women’s lacrosse also began the season with strong momentum. The team ranked No. 19 nationally and was the preseason favorite in the A-10 coaches’ poll. Last season, it advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history.

The team returned nine seniors and also plays a tough schedule. Opponents include No. 25 Navy (away), No. 15 Virginia (away), and No. 6 James Madison (home).