NEW YORK  –  BIG EAST men’s lacrosse begins the 2020 campaign on Saturday with two of the six teams in action. Marquette will play at Cleveland State at11 a.m., while Providence plays at Boston University at 1 p.m.
 
The Andrew Stimmel era of Marquette gets underway at Krenzler Field in Cleveland. Marquette returns four starters from last year and must replace three 20-goal scorers, three starting close defensemen and the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year at LSM. Peter Henkhaus (17 goals) and Connor McClelland (12 goals) are MU's leading returning scorers, while goalie John Hulsman made 11 starts in 14 games as a sophomore in 2019. The Vikings also have a first-year head coach in former assistant Andy German. Cleveland State is in its fourth season of men’s lacrosse. In 2019, the Vikings won seven of its final 10.
 
Providence will open the season at Boston University’s Nickerson Field. It is the fifth straight time the Friars and Terriers have faced off in the opening game of the season. Last season, Providence lost 8-7. Seven of the Friars’ 16 games in 2019 were decided by just one goal. Sophomore Matt Grillo is the Friars’ top returning goal scorer. In his freshman campaign Grillo had a team-high 99 shots, scored 30 goals and had 10 assists.
 
Preseason Poll Roundup
Denver opens the season No. 9 in the USILA Preseason poll with 167 points. Georgetown ranks 16th and Villanova 18^th. Virginia leads the poll with 311 points and 12 first-place votes. In the Inside Lacrosse Media Preseason Poll, Denver also holds the No. 9 spot with 200 points. The Hoyas also rank No. 16. Villanova is receiving votes.
 
#BIGEASTmlax Boasts Preseason All-Americans
BIG EAST Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Gibson Smith earned preseason second team All-American honors from both Inside Lacrosse and the USILA. Along with Smith, Denver senior short stick d-mid Danny Logan and Villanova senior midfielder Connor Kirst also earned second team accolades from both outlets. Receiving honorable mention from Inside Lacrosse was Hoya senior attackman Jake Carraway.
 
#BIGEASTmlax Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 1
MARQUETTE at Cleveland State, 11 a.m.
PROVIDENCE at Boston University, 1 p.m.
 
Saturday, Feb. 8
GEORGETOWN at Lafayette, Noon
Bellarmine at MARQUETTE, 1 p.m.
ST. JOHN’S at Rutgers, 1 p.m.
Penn State at VILLANOVA, 1 p.m.
DENVER at Air Force, 3 p.m.
Holy Cross at PROVIDENCE, 3:30 p.m.