LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A quartet of seniors was elected by the Bellarmine University lacrosse team as its captains for the 2015 season. Earning the proverbial "C" next to their name are Colin Hart, Brogan Hill, Bobby Schmitt and Ryan Scinta.

Hart is a hard-nosed senior defender who started every game for Bellarmine last season while registering 17 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. Hill is a senior midfielder who played in every game over the past two seasons, posting three goals and two assists in his most recent campaign.

"Colin is the fiercest competitor on the team," BU Head Coach Kevin Burns said. "His drive for success and his ability to lead by example has made Colin a natural team leader. He holds his teammates to the same standard he sets for himself, which has moved the team forward in our pursuit of an NCAA Tournament berth.

"Brogan has been elected captain by his teammates two years in a row. He is consistently the right kind of leader both on and off the field. He is an excellent leader that has proven himself through hard work and determination. When Brogan speaks in the locker room, his teammates listen."

Schmitt is coming off an All-America campaign and was honored last season as the Eastern College Athletic Conference Specialist of the Year as a long stick midfielder. A first-team All-ECAC selection, the decorated senior led Bellarmine last season in ground balls with 36 and caused turnovers with 19 while chipping in seven assists. Scinta was second on the team last year with 10 assists. The senior midfielder also compiled 13 goals and 11 ground balls.

"Bobby has been a key contributor and leader on the field for four years," Burns said. "Over the past couple of seasons, he has solidified his role as a terrific off-the-field leader as well. It speaks volumes that his teammates have chosen to elect him captain two years in a row.

"Ryan has been a team leader for all four of his years. He is a continual example of how success comes from hard work and dedication. Ryan has always been a tireless worker, always putting in the extra work necessary to become a great player."

Bellarmine will open the regular season on Feb. 7 at Michigan. However, the Knights' first competitive action will take place in a scrimmage on Jan. 25 at national runner-up Notre Dame. BU's schedule is headlined by a match at defending national champion Duke on Feb. 18, one of many contests where the Knights will no doubt lean heavily on the appointed leadership within the team.

"All four of these captains are consummate examples of what it means to be a Bellarmine lacrosse player," Burns said. "Their dedication to Bellarmine academically, athletically and socially will set an example that I hope our program will follow for years to come."