SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Skidmore College men's lacrosse team gets the spring athletic season started when it opens its year with a home contest Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2:00 p.m. against Babson College.

Head Coach Jack Sandler returns for his eighth season and looks to return the team to the Liberty League tournament.

When asked what his goals are for this year's squad, Sandler didn't hesitate, stating that with the talent and experience on his roster he expects to "compete and challenge for a Liberty League championship."  Sandler expects this year's team to return to its 2010 and 2011 form when it qualified for back-to-back Liberty League tournaments, including an appearance in the 2010 conference championship.

Skidmore returns several key players including preseason All-Americans Mike Perlow and Sam Christiansen. 

Perlow is a two-time USILA All-American and was a 2012 first-team All-Liberty League selection. The junior midfielder led the Thoroughbreds in scoring last season with 36 goals and 10 assists for 46 points. He had a team-high six man-up goals.
 
Christiansen anchored the Skidmore defense last season as a freshman. He started all 15 games and led the team with 24 caused turnovers and was second in ground balls with 50.

Senior attackmen Bryan Connolly will also play a large role for Skidmore.  Last season, Connelly finished third in team scoring with 21 points (5 goals, 16 assists). 

The Thoroughbreds also had a strong recruiting class and many of the new players are capable of having an immediate impact.

When asked what his biggest challenge this season is, Coach Sandler responded,  "bringing the team together, while keeping focus on the season's goals can at times present difficulties."  However, he went on to say that this particular team features a lot of "100 percent effort guys" who are capable leaders in the lock room.

Skidmore will take to the road after Saturday's match for a pair of non-conference games against Bates College on Mar. 3 and Endicott College Mar. 6 before returning home to face-off against Trinity on Mar. 9.