SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College men's lacrosse team will kick off its 2024 season on the road at Emerson College in Boston on Thursday, Feb. 15.
 
The Thoroughbreds finished in the three-way tie for fourth place after posting a 3-4 record in the Liberty League in 2023. Skidmore was the team left out of the playoffs following the tie-breaking procedure. Still, the Thoroughbreds produced their best season in a dozen years with a 10-6 overall record. It was the fourth time that Skidmore has won at least 10 games and the first since 2011.
 
Head coach Joe Martin, entering his sixth season at the helm of the program, shared his thoughts. "We are all very excited to get the season rolling! We return the vast majority of a group that helped the program take a big step forward in 2023 and are very motivated to build on that momentum."
 
The bar is set for the now-experienced Thoroughbred squad and expectations are high to take a bigger bite out of the pie this season. For the second time, five teams make it to the Liberty League Tournament. The stale taste of being the first team out still remains and motivates the team as it prepares for the new season. Skidmore was picked sixth in the preseason coaches' poll.
 
Skidmore appeared in the "also receiving votes" section of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Preseason Poll. Four Liberty League teams (RIT-3, RPI-11, Union-12, St. Lawrence-16) entered the season ranked with Skidmore and Clarkson receiving votes. Suffice to say, the Liberty League presents a consistent challenge top to bottom.
 
"We are fortunate to play in one of the very best leagues in the country," Martin said. "Week in and week out you are competing against a top-20 team, it's a gauntlet and we are looking forward to that challenge."
 
Skidmore returns a pair of All-Liberty League honorees in Charlie McFadden and Max Heberlein. McFadden was honored on the second team after leading the team with 22 assists and 62 points with 40 goals. Heberlein, a midfielder and honorable mention honoree, had a goal and an assist offensively while excelling defensively with nine caused turnovers, 20 ground balls, and just eight turnovers committed. In all, Skidmore returns just over 90 percent of its scoring from a year ago. Brian Gonsalves led the team with 41 goals with McFadden (40) on his tail and Jon Bouvier (29) not far behind. Skidmore also returns statistical leaders in ground balls (Jack Fitzpatrick – 91), caused turnovers (Marty McFadden – 20), and faceoff wins (Fitzpatrick – 146).
 
The infusion of 11 first-year players and a transfer have adapted to the team's culture and the coaching staff is confident heading into the season.
 
"This group is driven," Martin added. "They bring great energy to practice each day and work incredibly hard. They are not shy when it comes to saying they want to do something special this year and they are putting in the work necessary to make that happen."
 
After opening at Emerson, Skidmore plays at home for the first time on Monday, Feb. 19 against Kean. The Liberty League schedule opens Saturday, March 23 at home against St. Lawrence. The first round of the Liberty League Tournament is Tuesday, April 30 with the semifinal three days later and the championship on Sunday, May 5.