HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University men's lacrosse team is ready to roll for its 2021 season, after an abrupt end to last season due to COVID-19.

The Cobras played to a 6-2 record last spring prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with victories over Lees-McRae (Feb. 2, 20-7) and Chowan (Feb. 5, 16-6). The Cobras would win four of the final five games, going on a four-game non-conference winning streak with wins over North Greenville (Feb. 14, 9-8), Barton (Feb. 18, 19-12), Embry-Riddle (Feb. 23, 16-15) and Montevallo (Mar. 5, 16-15).

Head Coach David Olliver wants to build on what the team started a season ago.

"The goals and expectations of this season are to pick up where we left off at the conclusion of 2020," said Olliver. "The South Atlantic Conference is the toughest conference in the country, but we are confident that we have the pieces in place to compete for a conference championship and make a name for ourselves with some of those preseason ranked teams within the conference."

The Cobras return the majority of their offensive production in 2021, as well as several starting defensemen and experience in goal. Included in the group of returners are Preseason All-Conference selections Ethan Irizarry, Joe Venazio and James Brugger.

We have one of the strongest, if not the strongest senior class we have ever had," said Olliver. These seniors have been through a lot and have been instrumental in creating the culture that exists now setting the culture up for a bright future as well. They have been leaders since the minute they stepped on campus and now as they close out their careers, they have a lot they want to accomplish. I am so confident in our amazing group of seniors in their work ethic, their attention to detail and their experience and adversity handling."

The Cobras welcome eight new faces to the fold this season, and Olliver has been impressed with the work ethic and desire of his new players.

"As much as we love our seniors and the time they have put in, we have been extremely impressed with the hard work our underclassmen have put in," said Olliver. The seniors set the bar, and the underclassmen answered the call and reached the bar. We have some very talented young guys that are itching at the moment to display their hard work on the big stage."

The Cobras open their season on Feb. 10 at No. 10/12 Mount Olive, before hosting Chowan on Feb. 23. Coker concludes the month of February hosting No. 6/8 Lenoir-Rhyne on to open conference play Feb. 27. The Cobras open March at No. 14/15 Wingate, before traveling to North Greenville on Mar. 13. The Cobras will then host Newberry on Mar. 17, before traveling to No. 11/12 Queens (N.C.) on Mar. 24. Coker concludes the month of March hosting Mars Hill on Mar. 28. Coker opens April at home against Tusculum on Apr. 2, before traveling to Catawba on Apr. 7. The Cobras host No. 6/9 Limestone on Apr. 10 and Lincoln Memorial on Apr. 14, before wrapping up the regular season at Anderson (S.C.) on Apr. 17.

The SAC presents a challenge week in and week out and we love the challenge," said Olliver. "With four teams ranked in the Top 15 in the conference, we will have our hands full and not to mention another non-conference opponent ranked inside the Top 15. The teams that succeed in this 2021 season are those that can be the most consistent from start to finish. We hope to be one those teams and knock off some ranked opponents along the way. The entire season is a tough stretch and we like it that way!"

The Cobras begin the season on Wednesday (Feb. 10) at No. 10/12 Mount Olive. Opening face-off is set for 4:00 p.m., with video and live stats available at www.cokercobras.com.