Dec. 12, 2011

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State lacrosse team released its 2012 schedule Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs will face some tough competition from several east coast teams that will prepare them for conference play.

"Fresno State's schedule for 2012 is both exciting and challenging," head coach Jessica Pausewang said. "I know the players are ready to showcase their hard work and dedication to this program and are eager to have a successful season."

February will mark the third-straight year the women compete in an exhibition game vs. the Fresno Men's Club Team on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 12:00 p.m. The 'Dogs have defeated the men's team for the past two years and look forward to another victory in the spring.

Fresno State starts the 2012 season away at San Diego vs. Cincinnati (Feb. 19), before playing at home in the new soccer/lacrosse stadium on March 14 vs. University of New Hampshire and then again vs. Long Island University (Mar. 17).

The Bulldogs compete in their first conference match at San Diego State (Mar. 20), and then return home to play Central Connecticut (Mar. 22). They then head to the east coast to take on Jacksonville (Mar. 27), followed by Florida (Mar. 28).

"Our east coast trip this year will have our Bulldogs traveling to Florida and having the opportunity to play at both Gainesville and Jacksonville," Pausewang said. "Games like these will ultimately prepare us for an even stronger MPSF conference this year."

The remaining six scheduled games are all in conference play beginning with Stanford at home (Apr. 3), followed by Oregon (Apr. 6), and Cal (Apr. 10), both away games. The Bulldogs then return to Fresno and compete against Denver (Apr. 13) and St. Mary's (Apr. 18).

To conclude season play the 'Dogs will travel to UC Davis (Apr. 21), before preparing for the MPSF tournament at Stanford (Apr. 27-29).