Like every season, 2016 is sure to be a crucial one for the Saint John’s University lacrosse team.

The Johnnies have participated in the MCLA National Tournament powered by Under Armour for the past 11 seasons, however, they are still seeking that coveted championship ring. In recent years, Saint John’s was eliminated from nationals in the semifinals in both 2009 and 2013, the championship game in 2014 and the quarterfinals in 2015. The Johnnies’ overall goal for the season remains the same: to be national champions.

With that goal in mind, the team has no reason to overlook any individual game throughout the year, as the 12-game regular season will be a true test for the team’s success in 2016.

Some of the top teams the Johnnies will face this spring include Dayton (Preseason No. 1 ranked team), St. Thomas (No. 3), North Dakota State (No. 4), Grand Valley State (No. 7), Grove City (No. 10) and Indiana Tech (No. 18). In addition, the Johnnies will take on a pair of newcomers to UMLC Division II in Minn.-Duluth (No. 15) and MSU-Mankato.

Saint John’s is currently ranked fifth in the Under Armour preseason coach’s poll, and is hungrier than ever following a frustrating loss to Concordia-Irvine in the 2015 MCLA quarterfinals last year. CUI would go on to become the national runner-up.

The Johnnies' senior class is especially focused on a national championship as they have come very close to winning the title in 2013 and 2014. Some key senior players who have impacted the Johnnies success in the last three years include midfielders Jake Harmon, Jake Senta and Conlan Meade, as well as defenseman Nilan Anderson.

The returning combo of junior attackmen Brooks Armitage and Erik Zickermann will be another major scoring threat to competitors in 2016. Jared McComber and Cody Johnson are two juniors who are also expected to be impactful defensemen for the Johnnies.

In contrast, Saint John's lost several key players to graduation after the 2015 season, such as midfielders Owen Barkeley, Andrew Fairbairn and Ben Matrynec, along with attackman Cole Armitage. All of them held important scoring and playmaking roles for the Johnnies during their time on the team.

The Johnnies are very excited for their new additions to the team in 2016, including two goaltenders: Ryan Nelson – a sophomore transfer from Trine (NCAA DIII) – and freshman Mike Peterson.

Joining the coaching staff this season are St. John's alumni Josh Erickson and Luke DeBruzzi (Class of 2014). Both are expected to bring the same impact on the sidelines as they had when they were players under head coach Derek Daehn.

The Johnnies kick off the season on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. against MSU-Mankato at Eden Prairie High School.

(Preview by Alex Leiverman, St. John's Lacrosse)