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GAME NOTES

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech lacrosse team opens the season against Navy in the new Virginia Tech Indoor Practice Facility at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Admission is free and the venue is standing room only, though chairs are permitted. Fans are encouraged to park in Lot 1 anytime after 3 p.m.

The game marks just the second meeting between the two teams overall as Navy defeated the Hokies 19-11 last season in the finale in Annapolis, Md.

Virginia Tech enters the 2016 after a 6-12 campaign last season and will look to replace two of the best offensive players in school history. Overall, the Hokies return 24 members of their roster from last season with the addition of eight freshmen. The young team graduated six seniors from the 2015 squad including their three leaders in total points.

Among the graduated seniors is Megan Will, who holds the school record for career points with 222 and is second all-time in goals scored 173 in her career. She was the team’s leading scorer last year with 57 goals. Also lost to graduation is Meg Bartley, now a volunteer assistant coach, who finished her career as the school record-holder in draw controls and eighth all-time in goals scored with 111.

The top returning offensive player is senior Jessi Thon who scored 13 goals and added 9 assists to rank third on the team in total points. Fellow senior Gracee Hendrix scored 14 goals and had one assist last season.

Defensively, senior Meghan Macera will play a major factor after recording 37 ground balls last season and causing a team-high 22 turnovers. She was also second on the team with 58 draw controls.

Navy enters the season after posting a 15-5 record in 2015 and a 6-2 conference mark in the Patriot League which was good for third.

Overall, the Midshipmen return 16 letter-winners that include seven starters and three All-Patriot League players. That list also includes 59 percent of their scoring and four of their top five it total points.

Midfielder Jenna Collins will be a key player to watch as she was named First Team All-Patriot League last season as a freshman after recording 35 points on 25 goals and 10 assists. Navy did lose their program’s all-time leading scorer in Loren Generi to graduation. She also holds the record for draw-controls.

Defensively, senior Lizzy Rullan returns after a All-Patriot League Second Team season last year. She recorded 39 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers.

In goal, Navy has to replace a three-year starter and all-conference selection. Ingrid Boyum will likely earn the starting nod and she appeared in eight games last season.

For updates on Virginia Tech lacrosse, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Lax