NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women’s lacrosse team, led by first-year coach Amber Hill, has announced its 2012 schedule.  The schedule is highlighted by two matches against 2010 NCAA Tournament participants. 

“The upcoming spring schedule is tough,” said Hill, a Syracuse ’09 alumus.  “We have a lot of good opponents and we open with Albany who competed in the NCAA tournament last year. It will certainly be a gauge for how far these girls have come. They have been working diligently every day and once we get into the spring season they will be working even harder. The schedule will definitely bring out our strengths and weaknesses.”

Niagara begins the season on the road against the first of two 2010 NCAA participants, the Albany Great Danes on Feb. 18.  Niagara continues its road trip to Robert Morris (Feb. 25) and Sacred Heart (March 2) before heading back to Monteagle Ridge for the home opener on March 7 against St. Bonaventure.   

Niagara Field sees action for three more games, when the team welcomes Gannon (March 10), Duquesne (March 16) and Detroit Mercy (March 23).  The team then heads back out on the road for one game against conference rivals Fairfield on Saturday, March 31. 

The Purple Eagles return home for three consecutive home games, beginning with Notre Dame College on April 3.  Niagara plays Iona on Saturday, April 7 before it hosts conference opponent Siena on April 11. 

Niagara then hits the road for three straight games, its second longest stretch of the season, beginning with Manhattan on Saturday, April 14 before facing off against Dartmouth (April 16), and Canisius (April 18).  Niagara finishes its regular season schedule when Marist comes to town on Saturday, April 21.  

“I have high hopes for this team, because I have faith in these girls,” Hill added.  “This is a whole new team with a whole new outlook and I look forward to seeing our hard work pay off on the field in the spring.”