WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem lacrosse team begins its 2020 season on Tuesday, Feb. 18, when the Spirits trek to Laurinburg, N.C., to square off with non-conference foe St. Andrews at 4 p.m.

The match marks the third all-time meeting between the two programs, since Salem began playing in 2018. St. Andrews captured the previous two meets, which also served as the season openers, in 2018 (18-5) and 2019 (13-2).

Salem returns three of its top four goal scorers from a season ago, including Collette Vladimery, who lead the way with 25 goals. Also returning to the lineup are sophomores Teia Horton and Cara James, who tallied 15 and 10 goals, respectively.

James was also active on defense for the Spirits, gobbling up 43 ground balls, as were teammates Hope Morrison (38 ground balls) and Vladimery (35).

Senior Hannah Ostlund anchors the Spirits in net after making 187 saves (.423 save percentage) a season ago.

Salem head coach Emma Rose will have the luxury of four seniors and one junior in her lineup. Rose returns two sophomores and has six first years on her roster.

St. Andrews enters the season with a 1-1 mark after posting an 18-9 win over Columbia College on Feb. 15. The Knights suffered an 18-4 setback in the season opener to Methodist on Feb. 11.

St. Andrews outscored Columbia 8-0 over the final 23 minutes of the contest to come away with the victory. Karlie Holman netted five goals on eight shots, while the tandem of Kara Cheers and Kelsey Houser tallied four goals each.

The Knights roster consists of 10 freshmen, three sophomores and one senior.

For more information on Salem lacrosse check out www.salemsports.com.