SALT LAKE CITY -- The University of Utah men’s lacrosse team will begin the 2017 season this weekend on a three-game road trip to Southern California and a stop in Las Vegas.

The Utes will face No. 1-ranked Chapman on Thursday, Feb. 16 at Chapman Stadium in Orange, Calif. The Panthers are coming off a 15-12 win over No. 23 San Diego State last Saturday. The Panthers have bested the Utes in the last six meeting between the two teams.

“We are honored to be playing the defending champs as well as the great tradition that Chapman lacrosse has established in the MCLA,” said Utah coach Brian Holman. “What a wonderful opportunity for our guys right out of the gate.”

On Saturday, Feb 18, Utah will head to UCLA for the annual Pac-12 Shootout to face Washington. The Huskies are 2-1 this season after beating Portland and Dominican with the lone loss coming to No. 25 Sonoma State. Utah is 4-0 against the Huskies, with the latest win coming in the 2015 Pac-12 Shootout.

“This will be a great challenge for our team to bounce back on a Saturday in a great event after playing on Thursday,” said Holman. “We’re excited to get on campus and kick off the Pac-12 Shootout against Washington.”

On Monday, Feb. 20, the Utes will take on UNLV in Las Vegas. The Utes have dropped the last two games against the Rebels. UNLV beat UCLA on Feb. 11 and will face Nevada this Saturday before hosting the Utes.