Champaign, IL - After resuming practices for the 2009 season last month, the Illini are ready to take the field again for what promises to be an exciting 2009 season.

Fresh off a fall-ball preseason that saw the Illini capture the Big Ten Tournament Championship at Purdue University, the Illini look to make a quick impact this spring, led by new Head Coach Joe Dodson. Coming off a season that saw the Illini come within one game of winning the GRLC, the team looks to reload and make another serious run at the conference title.

The Illini will begin their 2009 campaign with a match against Carthage College (D3) at the Lake Barrington Sports Complex in Barrington, Illinois at 8 PM Saturday Feb 14th.

Other key games for the Illini include home contests against rival Indiana, Marquette, #2 Michigan, and #20 Michigan State. The Illini will have several important away games, highlighted by their trip to take on #23 Texas and #13 Texas A&M in Texas. The Illini will also take road trips to play #10 Boston College, #24 Northeastern, and #17 Lindenwood.

The Illinois offense looks to mix veteran experience with young talent, with attackmen Joe O’Malley, Scott Pfiffner, Nate Prescott, Jimmy Driscoll, and Rhys Southworth looking to make significant contributions. The Illini also return a plethora of dangerous midfielders, led by GRLC Offensive Player of the Year Stephen Black. Midfielder is perhaps the Illini’s deepest position, with Doug Sutherland, Dan Dickson, Chris Pavlovich, Bob Ridlen, Vinnie Casini, JJ Sestrich, Paul Dworzanski, Ricky Valencia, Steve Arendt, and Mike Walker all looking to make important contributions to the team.

As for the Illini defense, Senior Captain Phil Dodson returns for his senior year to anchor a tough Illini unit. G Eric Rakoczy, LSM Chris Fallon, D Neil Sullivan, and D Mike Howlett look to pick up where they left off last season, as one of the toughest defenses in the MCLA. D Alex Burt, D Matt Gruber, G Joe Lucido, M Matt Babcock, D Sean Forrest, D Chris Holmes, and D Jeremias Perez all look to see playing time in the 2009 season.

“We’re really excited about this year,” said Captain Doug Sutherland. “Practices with new Head Coach (Joe) Dodson have been intense, and a mix of veteran experience and a talented incoming class should definitely lead to a successful year.”

For more on the Illini, be sure to check in with illinilacrosse.com throughout the year.