EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Fresh off its first MCLA National Champion last spring, Michigan State has created a 13-game schedule that should test the Spartans as they undertake their quest for back-to-back titles.

Eight of the 13 games will come out of conference, with seven of those opponents having qualified for the 2018 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour.

Michigan State will face the schedule with a new head coach. D.J. Lubs, who was the architect of the Spartans salty defense that was critical in the championship run, was elevated to head coach after Cam Holding stepped down to pursue his professional lacrosse career.

"I’m very excited for this upcoming year. Last year, our guys embraced the road warrior mentality and they thrived in it; this year will be more of the same," said Lubs. "This schedule was assembled to make sure that we had the toughest slate available. We’re going to be tested early and often, but this team loves a good fight. This will be a fun year. We have an exciting road schedule that would make any competitor drool, and it’s going to be fun to watch."

Michigan State will open the season on Feb. 15 against CLC rival Minnesota and conclude against Davenport on April 11.

2019 Michigan State Men's Lacrosse Schedule

* - indicates a CLC West division contest
# - indicates contests at Columbus, Ohio
^ - indicates contests at Nashville, Tenn.
% - indicates contests at San Diego, Calif.