PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle lacrosse squad kicks off its 2014 campaign on Saturday, when the Explorers host LIU Brooklyn at 3 p.m.

The Explorers stay in Philadelphia through the week, playing their first road contest of the season at Temple on Wednesday, also at 3 p.m.

The squad is eager to get the season underway, despite the heavy snow cover. There is a lot of excitement for the season, buoyed by a strong fall season and conditioning through the winter months.

The Explorers look to build upon their program-best 8-1 nonconference record last season, including outscoring their opponents 55-15 in their first three wins of 2013.

They have the opportunity to do so with the largest roster in school history, as well as the largest freshman class in at least Head Coach Candace Taglianetti Bossell's six seasons.

"All of our freshmen add a ton of depth to the team this year and we are excited to see what they can do," Taglianetti Bossell said.

Atlantic 10 First Team pick Caitlyn Brostrand returns for her junior season after recording a team-high 47 points on a team-high 45 goals plus two assists. Taglianetti Bossell will look for a few underclassmen to step up into a scoring role following the loss of graduated seniors Melanie Sarcinello and Lauren McDermont, who were the second- and third-leading scorers last season.

The attack unit features Atlantic 10 All-Rookie selection Katelyn Fay, who was fourth on the team last year in scoring and is this season's second-leading returning scorer. She recorded 30 points on 27 goals and three assists, while also picking up 17 ground balls. Senior captain Maggie O'Ferrall is being called upon to quarterback the offense. She chipped in six goals and one assist for seven points in 2013.

The Explorers also gain the services of Katie Wherley, who redshirted last season. Wherley is a speedy attacker who put together a strong fall season. Alanna Diffendal and Tori Mitros will also be vying for significant time and are considered strong feeders from behind the net. Diffendal scored eight goals and assisted on seven others for 15 points, while Mitros chipped in three goals and one assist for four points. Freshmen Courtney Woolford, Alex Watson and High School All-American Toni Massetti will also be called upon to make an immediate contribution on the offensive side of the ball.

The midfield unit is chock full of experience, returning several starters from last year. Brostrand looks to anchor the midfield and is a threat both offensively and defensively. In addition to her team-leading 47 points, she is also the leading returning draw controller after earning 21 controls last season. 

Erin McCabe is back, providing another offensive and defensive threat. She scored 14 goals and assisted on two others for 16 points last season while leading the squad with 16 caused turnovers. She also picked up 22 ground balls and controlled 14 draws.

Kelly Furman is once again on the field. She scored 11 goals and assisted on nine others for 20 points, while leading the team with 26 ground balls and tying for seconc with 14 caused turnovers. 

Claire Andrews, who recorded eight points on six goals and two assists, returns from an offseason shoulder surgery and is expected to step up this season. Abby O'Donnell and Allee Ilgenfritz are expected to be the first off the bench to provide depth.

The Explorers also boast an experienced defense, with senior captains Kaitlin Colbridge and Katie Marasco returning along with Jackie Donato and Anastasia Fries. The defense helped the squad record an 11.38 goals against average last season.

Donato played in three games last year before tearing her ACL, and is eager to get back on the field. 

Marasco is the second-leading returner in terms of draw controls, recording 20 last season. She also tied for second last season with 14 caused turnovers.

Colbridge also returns to the backfield. She picked up 17 ground balls and caused six turnovers last season. Fries also provides a spark after tying for second with 14 caused turnovers and picking up 11 ground balls.

Several players are expected to make an impact off the bench, including Kelly Collins, Anna Kelly and rookies Anna Gordon, Kiara Lynch and Danielle Strang.

The goalkeeper position is wide open after the graduation of Maura Malone last season, and all three keepers on the roster have had a strong offseason. Savanna Smith, a former field player, made the switch to goalie last year and saw time between the pipes. Two rookie keepers join the team this season, including Gabby Antonelli and Chelsea DiIonno.

"They all provide different strengths, but we're looking for someone to step up," Taglianetti Bossell said. "Gabby is a gamechanger; Savanna is a stoic and passionate leader; and Chelsea is solid in her consistency."

The Explorers' opening draw of the season is set for 3 p.m. Saturday. Atlantic 10 play kicks off on April 4 at Massachusetts, and this year's Atlantic 10 Tournament will be at Richmond on May 2 and 4.