HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 3, 2024) … Hampton University Lacrosse is set to begin the 2024 season at Mercer Sunday at 11:00 AM. Since the beginning of the Pirate's lacrosse program, HU has faced the Bears twice in program history.
 
A Look at the Pirates
 
Hampton is coming off their inaugural season in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Pirates wrapped up the 2023 campaign with a record of 2-12. HU returns some of its key contributors from last season. Defender DyJae Pearson was selected to the All-CAA Preseason Team this offseason. Pearson was fifth in the country for caused turnovers with 37. The Bronx, N.Y. native, also averaged 2.64 caused turnovers per game.
 
Coach Chazz Woodson's squad last season was one of the best teams in the CAA in caused turnovers. The Pirates averaged 9.71 caused turnovers which was eighth in the country. Hampton also sat atop the CAA for saves per game averaging 12.2 per contest. Freshman Kai Talley had an impressive freshman campaign. Talley produced seven man-up goals during the 2023 campaign. Talley's seven man-up goals ranked 13th in the country and first in the CAA
 
A Look at the Bears
 
Mercer posted an overall record of 6-10 and went 5-4 in the Atlantic Sun. The Bears are coached by Ryan Danehy who enters his second season. Under Danehy Mercer made the ASUN Tournament for the first time since the 2015 season. The Bears would also have three student-athletes be named All-ASUN teams.
 
Mercer led the ASUN last season in face-off winning percentage. However, Ashton Wood who was sixth in the country for face-off winning percentage does not return for the Bears. All-Freshman Micheal Frederick returns after a successful 2023 campaign. The Rehoboth Beach, Del. native had seven man-up goals which was the 13th most in the country and led the ASUN.