Utah Lacrosse Season Opener Against Delaware
This weekend, the University of Utah lacrosse team kicks off the 2026 season with an exciting matchup against the Delaware Blue Hens. The game will take place on Saturday, January 31, at 10 a.m. MT at Delaware Stadium in Newark.
Quick Facts About Utah Lacrosse
- Utah is in its eighth season as a Division I program and boasts a solid overall record of 52-42.
- Head coach Andrew McMinn is making his mark in his fifth season, holding the record for the most wins in program history with 40 victories.
- The team has dominated the ASUN conference recently, clinching four consecutive regular-season titles and two championships in the last three years.
- Senior defenseman Nikko DiPonio received the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year award for 2025 and earned multiple All-America honors. He is already being recognized as a preseason standout for 2026.
- Ryan Stines, another senior, is a key player on the offense. He holds several program records and has consistently led the team in points.
Captains Leading the Way
The Utes will be captained by Stines, DiPonio, and Will Overly. Stines, named ASUN Player of the Year in 2024, has shown his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. DiPonio is recognized for his exceptional defense, consistently gathering ground balls and causing turnovers. Overly also had a breakout season last year, contributing significantly as a midfielder.
Looking Back
In their last contest against Delaware, Utah was narrowly defeated 13-12 at home. Despite leading at halftime, they couldn’t maintain their advantage. Notable performances included a hat trick from Cade Faulkner and a standout defensive showing from DiPonio.
Getting to Know Delaware
Delaware is making its debut in the Atlantic-10 Conference this season, under the guidance of veteran coach Ben DeLuca. The Blue Hens finished with a 7-6 record last year and have several returning players who scored over 25 points, like Brendan Powers, who led the team in goals.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are buzzing with anticipation on social media, sharing their excitement for the season opener. Many are looking forward to seeing how Utah’s talent will translate in this challenging matchup against a new conference rival.
As the season begins, the stakes are high for both teams. Utah’s experienced roster is a strong contender, while Delaware aims to make a statement in its first season in a new conference.
For those interested in watching, the game will be available on ESPN+, and fans can follow the action with live stats on StatBroadcast.
Stay connected with Utah Lacrosse on X and Instagram for the latest updates.
