SALT LAKE CITY -- The University of Utah men's lacrosse team has lined up a 16-game schedule for the 2017 season. The schedule features five RMLC conference foes along with nine non-conference game and a scrimmage against NCAA Division II Westminster.

"We are so excited about the challenge that this schedule brings us, and it starts right out of the gate with the defending national champs," said Utah coach Brian Holman. "We are honored to be able to have scheduled this game."

The Utes will waste no time getting their feet wet as they face the 2016 MCLA national champion Chapman in the opener in Orange, Calif., on Feb. 16. The Utes will remain in Southern California to compete in the 10th annual Pac-12 Shootout at UCLA against an opponent to be determined on Feb. 18. On the road home, UNLV will host the Utes on Feb. 20 to complete the first road trip of the season.

In the home opener, the Utes will give Utah lacrosse fans a glimpse of what is in store as they welcome Arizona State on March 10. Days later, the team will head to the Bay Area to take on Cal (March 13) and Stanford (March 15) to test its mettle against two perennially ranked teams. The Utes will play its fourth game in nine days when they host Simon Fraser on March 19.

"The middle of our schedule presents a unique challenge in playing four games in nine-day stretch that will really test our depth and mental fortitude with preparation and execution," said Holman.

The middle of the schedule is broken up with a scrimmage against neighbor Westminster (NCAA D-II) on March 24. Just 1.8 miles separate the schools and several players have competed against one another on high school or club teams.

After a midweek game hosting Nevada on March 25, the Utes will face in-state rival Utah State in its first RMLC matchup on March 30. Utah will return to Salt Lake City to host Boise State (April 1), which will be the first of five home games. RMLC opponents Colorado (April 6), Colorado State (April 8) and Utah Valley (April 11) will take on the Utes in Salt Lake City in a five-day stretch. The homestand will be capped by a game against Texas on April 15. Utah will then take on rival BYU in Provo to end the regular season on April 22.

"The last leg truly is the most important due to the conference schedule. For the team to achieve its goals, we must find a way to be successful here," said Holman.

The top four teams in the RMLC will compete in Boulder, Colo., for the RMLC Championship on April 28-29. The MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour will be held in Southern California beginning on May 8.

2017 Utah Men's Lacrosse Schedule

^ - indicates opponent to be announced
* - indicates RMLC contest
# - indicates scrimmage