LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine lacrosse team released its 2023 schedule on Tuesday, revealing a 16-game slate including nine conference games as the ASUN expands to 10 teams this season.
 
"We are excited about the prospects for the 2023 season," said Bellarmine Coach Andrew Whitley. "Making the conference tournament for on the second time in program history has only emboldened our 'anyone, anytime, anywhere' philosophy.  As we pursue an ASUN championship, we are certainly testing ourselves against the best teams in the country in the non-conference slate.  It will more than prepare us for what will certainly be a gauntlet in conference play.  The players are looking forward to a challenging season, and as competitors we are excited about the opportunities ahead!"
 
The Knights charge out of the gates with a matchup with perennial powerhouse Duke on Feb. 4 in Durham, North Carolina.  The Blue Devils were ranked ninth in last season's final Inside Lacrosse poll after finishing 11-6.
 
Bellarmine's home opener is week later when the Knights welcome the St. Bonaventure Bonnies to Owsley B. Frazier Stadium on Feb. 11 for a noon contest.
 
After three away from home (Canisius, 2/18; Marist 2/26; Bucknell 2/28), the Knights return on March 4 to host traditional non-conference opponent VMI.  Bellarmine then closes its non-conference schedule with a road contest at Marquette on March 11.
 
The ASUN Conference opener will come March 18 on the road against the team that ended the Knights' season a year ago—the Utah Utes.  Bellarmine lost an overtime thriller to the Utes in last season's ASUN Championship to end the 2022 year.
 
The Knights then play three ASUN newcomers in the next three games, starting by hosting Queens on March 25 in a game that has been designated at alumni appreciation day.   The Royals are making the transition to Division I this season and are members of the ASUN in the non-lacrosse sports as well.
 
Next up is a familiar foe, but a new conference rival in Mercer.  The Bears will visit Frazier Stadium in a midweek game on Wednesday, March 29.
 
Bellarmine then travels to St. Charles, Missouri on April 1 to take on another new ASUN team, the Lindenwood Lions, who like Queens, are making the transition to Division I this year. Then, it's back to Louisville to host Air Force on April 8 in a contest that will serve as the Knights' breast cancer awareness game.
 
The next three games all come on the road--at Robert Morris (4/12), Cleveland State (4/16), and Detroit Mercy (4/22)—before the Knights close out the regular season at home against Jacksonville.  Although the Dolphins' other sports have competed in the ASUN for years, the lacrosse team is making its debut in the league this year after previously playing in the Southern Conference.
 
The ASUN Conference Tournament is slated for May 2-7 in Moon Township, Pennsylvania on the campus of Robert Morris.
 
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