University of Delaware Athletics
Men's Lacrosse Lands at No. 16 in USA Lacrosse Preseason Top-20
1/3/2024 11:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
SPARKS, Md. – The University of Delaware men's lacrosse team was ranked No. 16 in the USA Lacrosse Men's Division I Preseason Top-20 rankings, the outlet announced Wednesday morning.
The Blue Hens come off a successful 2023 season as Delaware captured its second straight CAA championship finishing the year with a 13-5 record, and earned a trip to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row. Delaware finished last season as one of two teams in the top-10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The only other team to accomplish that feat was Notre Dame.
Delaware finished the 2023 season ranked No. 15 in the final USA Lacrosse Men's Division I Top-20. The Hens ranked among the best last season in multiple categories as Delaware finished eighth nationally in win percentage (.722), seventh in points per game (22.94), and second in scoring margin at 5.28. The only team better was the National Champion Fighting Irish.
The Blue Hens return graduate student Mike Robinson and senior JP Ward from a season ago as the duo looks to lead the Delaware offense in 2024 after combining for 74 goals last season. Graduate student Tate Wasson and senior Joe Speers look to be a defensive force for the Hens as the pair combined for 50 caused turnovers a year ago. Delaware head coach Ben DeLuca added 14 freshmen and three transfers for the upcoming season including Colgate standout defenseman Donny Gayhardt and the 2023 MAAC Rookie of the Year TJ Gravante from The Mount.
The Blue Hens begin the 2024 season on Saturday, Feb. 10 at noon as Delaware hosts Lafayette in Delaware Stadium.
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