When did the Salisbury men’s lacrosse team play their first game of the 2018 season. How many games were scheduled for the regular season. Which teams did Salisbury face in conference play. What was the team’s postseason performance in 2018.
Salisbury Men’s Lacrosse: 2018 Season Overview
The Salisbury University men’s lacrosse team, known as the Sea Gulls, entered the 2018 season with high expectations following their strong performance in previous years. As a perennial powerhouse in Division III lacrosse, Salisbury’s schedule for 2018 was designed to challenge the team and prepare them for another run at the national championship.
Key Dates and Opponents
The Sea Gulls’ 2018 campaign kicked off on February 3rd with a home game against Hampden-Sydney College. This early-season matchup set the tone for what would be a grueling and competitive schedule. Throughout the regular season, Salisbury faced a mix of conference rivals and non-conference opponents, testing their skills against some of the best teams in Division III lacrosse.
- Season opener: February 3, 2018 vs. Hampden-Sydney College
- Conference play began: March 17, 2018 vs. Southern Virginia University
- Regular season finale: April 28, 2018 vs. Frostburg State University
Breaking Down the Conference Schedule
Salisbury University competes in the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC), which features some of the most competitive lacrosse programs in the region. The 2018 schedule included several crucial conference matchups that would determine the Sea Gulls’ standing and postseason seeding.
Notable Conference Opponents
- York College of Pennsylvania
- Christopher Newport University
- Frostburg State University
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- University of Mary Washington
These conference games were pivotal in shaping Salisbury’s season, as they directly impacted the team’s chances of securing the CAC championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Non-Conference Challenges: Testing Salisbury’s Mettle
In addition to their conference schedule, the Sea Gulls faced a number of formidable non-conference opponents in 2018. These games served multiple purposes: they provided valuable experience against diverse playing styles, boosted the team’s strength of schedule, and offered opportunities for national ranking improvements.
Marquee Non-Conference Matchups
- Gettysburg College – A perennial top-10 program
- Ohio Wesleyan University – Known for their strong lacrosse tradition
- Stevenson University – A fierce in-state rival
- Lynchburg College – Another top-tier Division III program
These non-conference games were strategically placed throughout the schedule to maintain a high level of competition and keep the team sharp between conference matchups.
Midseason Assessment: Strengths and Challenges
As the 2018 season progressed, certain trends and patterns emerged in Salisbury’s performance. The team’s strengths became apparent, as did areas that required improvement.
Team Strengths
- Offensive firepower led by experienced attackmen
- Solid defensive unit anchored by veteran long-poles
- Exceptional goaltending
- Strong faceoff performance
Areas for Improvement
- Consistency in clearing the ball
- Man-up offensive efficiency
- Reducing turnovers in transition
The coaching staff likely focused on addressing these areas during practice sessions and film study throughout the season.
The Road to the Postseason: Late-Season Push
As the regular season wound down, Salisbury’s focus shifted to securing a favorable seed in the CAC tournament and positioning themselves for an NCAA tournament berth. The final stretch of games in April was crucial in determining the team’s postseason fate.
Key Late-Season Matchups
- York College of Pennsylvania – April 18, 2018
- Christopher Newport University – April 21, 2018
- Frostburg State University – April 28, 2018
These games not only impacted conference standings but also served as a litmus test for Salisbury’s readiness for postseason play.
Postseason Aspirations: CAC and NCAA Tournaments
Salisbury’s ultimate goal for the 2018 season was to capture both the CAC championship and the NCAA Division III national title. The team’s performance in the regular season set the stage for their postseason run.
CAC Tournament
The Capital Athletic Conference tournament typically begins in early May, with the top seeds hosting games. Salisbury’s seeding in this tournament was determined by their regular-season conference record.
NCAA Division III Tournament
Qualification for the NCAA tournament can be achieved through an automatic bid (by winning the conference tournament) or an at-large bid based on the team’s overall performance and strength of schedule.
The NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship traditionally starts in mid-May and concludes with the national championship game in late May.
Impact of the 2018 Schedule on Salisbury’s Program
The challenging 2018 schedule was designed to not only prepare Salisbury for immediate success but also to contribute to the long-term growth of the program. Facing top-tier opponents throughout the season had several benefits:
- Improved player development through high-level competition
- Enhanced national visibility for recruiting purposes
- Strengthened the team’s resume for NCAA tournament selection
- Provided valuable experience for underclassmen
By taking on such a rigorous schedule, Salisbury demonstrated its commitment to maintaining its status as one of the premier Division III lacrosse programs in the country.
Looking Beyond 2018: Building for the Future
While the focus was on the 2018 season, the schedule also played a role in shaping Salisbury’s lacrosse program for years to come. The experience gained from playing top opponents would benefit returning players in subsequent seasons.
Long-Term Program Goals
- Sustaining national championship contender status
- Developing All-American caliber players
- Strengthening conference dominance
- Enhancing the program’s reputation to attract top recruits
The 2018 schedule was just one piece of Salisbury’s larger strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of Division III lacrosse.
In conclusion, the Salisbury men’s lacrosse schedule for 2018 was a carefully crafted blend of challenging conference and non-conference opponents. It was designed to test the team’s abilities, prepare them for postseason play, and contribute to the program’s long-term success. As the season unfolded, the Sea Gulls’ performance against this formidable lineup of opponents would ultimately determine their place in the annals of Salisbury lacrosse history.
2018 Men’s Lacrosse Schedule – Christopher Newport University Athletics
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