SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The Dominican University of California men's lacrosse team and Penguins Head Coach Ned Webster have announced the schedule and roster for the spring 2010 season.  As a University, Dominican is transitioning from NAIA Division II to NCAA Division II. The 2010 schedule marks the first full NCAA Division II lineup for the Dominican lacrosse program.

The Penguins will play a demanding schedule that features 11 games and two exhibitions. Dominican begins the season hosting four matches, with the season opener on Feb. 14 against Colorado College. The Penguins will also host Cal in an exhibition and cross-Bay rival Notre Dame de Namur University.

In March, Dominican will make a tour of New York to face Dominican College (no relation), Molloy College, Adelphi University, and Mercy College.

"Our coaches, players, and fans are all excited about our first season as a Division II program,” said Webster. “The competition we'll face in New York will give us a good idea of where our program currently stands and what steps we will need to take to strengthen it for the future.”

Dominican will return home to host Grand Canyon University on March 21, then travel to Belmont, Calif. for a second-half rematch with Notre Dame de Namur. Grand Canyon returns to San Rafael to face the Penguins for a second time on April 16 and Dominican will close the season by hosting Westminster College (UT) just two days later.

An exhibition against Dominican Alumni is scheduled for April 24 and will conclude the Penguins' foray into NCAA Division II competition.

Defensive Coordinator Mike Hennessey and Assistant Coach Tim Booth both return in 2010, and Patrick Brown comes on board as an assistant coach and will work closely with the goalies.

Senior Joey Sullivan and junior Emmett Faricy have been named captains of the 2010 squad, which features 14 true freshman.

“With a roster dominated by talented underclassmen, Joey put himself at the front of the pack during Fall Ball, which is exactly what leaders do and the reason his team voted him captain,” said Webster. “Unfortunately Emmett re-tore his ACL, so he will not be suiting up this spring. However, as proven countless times before, a captain's voice can be tantamount to his actions.”

The 2010 season marks a new beginning for Dominican Athletics, and Penguin Lacrosse is certainly helping to lead the charge and meet the challenges of Dominican's first Division II season head-on.

FEBRUARY

6	vs. Sonoma State University (scrimmage)	2:00 p.m.
14	vs. Colorado College	12:00 p.m.
20	vs. Notre Dame de Namur University	2:00 p.m.
26	vs. UC Berekeley (exhibition)	1:00 p.m.
28	vs. Southwestern University	1:00 p.m.

MARCH

7	@ Dominican College (NY)	1:00 p.m.
9	@ Molloy College (NY)	4:00 p.m.
11	@ Adelphi University (NY)	4:00 p.m.
13	@ Mercy College (NY)	12:00 p.m.
21	vs. Grand Canyon University	1:00 p.m.

APRIL

10	@ Notre Dame de Namur University	2:00 p.m.
16	vs. Grand Canyon University	4:00 p.m.
18	vs. Westminster College (UT)	1:00 p.m.
24	vs. Dominican Alumni (exhibition)	2:00 p.m.

All times local to site