CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The Boston College men's lacrosse team has one of the toughest schedules in program history in 2018, featuring three of the four national semifinalists from the 2017 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour.

After finishing 5-5 and No. 24 in the country, the Eagles scheduled games against top-tier talent from across the country, specifically seven preseason Top 25 teams over the course of their 12-game schedule.

“We know we can compete with the best of the best, and we’re really excited to show the PCLL and MCLA what the Northeast can do,” said junior defender Jack Gilbert.

Two road trips in February to Pittsburgh and Atlanta will test the Eagles early. In Pittsburgh, the Eagles will face the host Panthers and Michigan State. The bout against the Spartans will be an exciting rematch from last year when the Eagles pulled out a narrow, 11-10 victory in the final seconds.

A pair of national semifinalists await Boston College in Atlanta. Georgia Tech will host the Eagles for not only their game, but for the Eagles' contest against last year's runner-up Chapman.

Although March will be light, BC will face the best teams Arizona has to offer. In a four-day stretch, the Eagles match up against Arizona State, Arizona and defending national champion Grand Canyon.

The Eagles’ game against GCU is a special one for Boston College coach Louie DeDonatis, who was a three-time All-American with the Lopes and won the MCLA National Championship as a senior in 2015.

April will feature PCLL action for the Eagles. BC will play all of their divisional contests over the course of the month, including Connecticut, Northeastern and New Hampshire, which defeated the Eagles in the PCLL semifinals in 2017.

“We made it a goal of ours to put together as tough of a schedule as possible going into 2018, and I think we did just that,” said DeDonatis. “We are going to be in a battle every time we step on the field and that’s what you want. That’s a challenge we crave.”

2018 Boston College Men's Lacrosse Schedule

* - indicates PCLL contest