DURHAM, N.C.—The Duke men's lacrosse team will open the 2019 campaign ranked second in both the USILA Coaches' Poll as well as the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll. Reigning NCAA Champion Yale tops both polls.

Rounding out the top five in both polls are Maryland, Loyola and Cornell, respectively. In a highly anticipated non-conference battle, Duke is slated to take on No. 4 Loyola March 7 at 7 p.m.  Overall, the Blue Devils are scheduled to play seven of the preseason top 25.

All five ACC teams are ranked in the top 25 with Virginia coming in at No. 6, Notre Dame 10th, Syracuse 11th and North Carolina 13th.

Duke, returning three All-Americans from last year's squad, opens the 2019 campaign Saturday, Feb. 2 at Furman. Faceoff is slated for 7 p.m., in Greenville, S.C. Overall, the Blue Devils welcome back five of the top seven scorers from last season and 59 percent of the point scoring. Duke averaged 13.60 goals per game last season, fourth among Division I programs.

Defensively, Duke welcomes back two thirds of the close defense, but will have a new regular face between the pipes. The Blue Devils allowed 8.65 goals per game last season, ranking 12th nationally.  

Duke makes their 2019 home debut Feb. 6 against High Point. That game also will face off at 7 p.m., at Koskinen Stadium.

Season ticket packages are on sale this week for 50 percent off. Fans can purchase them online at http://www.goduke.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at 919-681-6767.  

#GoDuke