Salisbury University Women’s Lacrosse team will enter the 2016 season ranked number nine in the country, maintaining their reputation as the team to knock off in the conference.

The ranking for the CAC team comes from the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Association. Head Coach Jim Nestor says the reputation the team holds helps them prepare for the season ahead.

“Every year we feel a little pressure being ranked high in the conference but it makes us try harder in practice,” Nestor said.

The SU Women’s Lacrosse team is coming off its 15th CAC championship and 16th NCAA tournament appearance. Although Nestor says the team is young this year, Salisbury brings back strong core players including senior Megan Wallenhorst, who was an IWLCA All-American in 2015.

“We are a little young overall—we have some good talent out there but a little young in big game experience…we are going to build on that,” Nestor said.

The gulls will take the field for the first time in the 2016 season on Sunday, February 14, against Roanoke College at Sea Gull Stadium beginning at 1:30 p.m.