LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine University lacrosse team will open its 2011 season at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Owsley B. Frazier Stadium as the Knights host Detroit Mercy. 

The Titans are a familiar opening game opponent for the Knights, as Bellarmine has faced UDM in its season debuts the past two years.  Last year the Knights posted a 12-8 victory in Pontiac, Mich., and in the 2009 season opener, Bellarmine recorded an 18-8 victory at home.

Saturday's game will be Detroit's third game of the season after losing their season opener 13-5 to No. 17 Delaware, and dropping a 4-3 decision to Ohio State on Thursday night.

The 2011 Bellarmine debut marks the first lacrosse match that Bellarmine will play without Coach Jack McGetrick, who lost his battle with cancer last fall and was the only Bellarmine head coach since the program started in 2005. 

Taking over the reins for 2011 is former McGetrick assistant Bart Sullivan. The first year coach welcomes a wealth of experience on the defensive side with strong goalie play in senior Scott Bowles and sophomore Dillon Ward. Sullivan also returns defensemen Ross Doan, Drew Soeder and Austin Powell, all of who started all 15 games for the Knights last year when BU compiled a 9-6 record. 

At attack and midfield, Bellarmine is replacing five starters from last year's squad. Top returning scorers for the Knights inlcude Austin Bright (17 pts.), Luke Acton (14), and Trevor Timmerberg.

Bellarmine prepped for Saturday's opener with successful scrimmages against two non-Division I opponents.