Jan. 22, 2010

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Marist men's lacrosse team opened practice for the 2010 season this week at Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field. Only five practice days into the year, second-year head coach Scott Nelson is encouraged by the progress made in only one week.

"They're getting back into routine and learning how to practice, which is important," said Nelson, who went 4-9 in his inaugural campaign in Poughkeepsie.

With over one month until the Red Foxes open the season at Sacred Heart, the team focused on some of the basics in its first week of practice. Marist worked on individual skills, stick work, team defense, and getting into playing shape. The Red Foxes have seven home games at Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field this season, starting with Holy Cross on Tuesday, March 2, and the team is enjoying having the renovated stadium to play in.

"The facility is incredible," said Nelson. "It's a nice place to practice and play in. The guys are taking pride in this program and this facility and it's great to see."

Marist went 4-9 in the 2009 season, recording a 4-4 record in the MAAC Lacrosse League. The Red Foxes open the 2010 season at Sacred Heart on Saturday, Feb. 27.