BREVARD, N.C. – After earning a 9-8 victory over NCAA Division II rival Mars Hill in their lone exhibition game of the season on Saturday, Feb. 3, the Brevard men's lacrosse team opens its 2018 campaign with a 5 p.m. clash against Montreat on Ives Lemel Field on Wednesday.

This season marks head coach Eric McKinney's first full season at the helm after serving as the interim for the team's final four games of the 2017 campaign. In those four games, the Tornados averaged just under 10 goals per game, while allowing 14 goals per contest.

McKinney's experienced roster includes four seniors (David Buono, Cole Hansen, Xzavier Holmes-Copeland, Austin Sweat) and 11 juniors, including Jackson McKaig, who led the team with goals (33), points (48), shots (87) and ranked third in assists (15).

Another key returnee for the Tornados is Robert Kokal, who tied Dennis Rammacher for the team high in ground balls (43) a season ago. In 2017, Kokal had multiple ground ball outings in 12 of the 16 games for the Tornados and finished with six ground balls, a season-high, against Lees-McRae (April 11) and Mars Hill (April 22).

The Cavaliers also open the season on Wednesday evening, after clashing with Appalachian State in their only exhibition contest.

For more information on the Brevard men's lacrosse program check out www.bctornados.com.