Babson Park, FL – The Webber International University men's lacrosse team will open the 2026 season at home on Saturday , January 24 at 1:00 p.m. as the Warriors host No. 10 Taylor University at the Warrior Turf Field.
The matchup marks the first game of the 2026 lacrosse season across both the NAIA and NCAA, setting the national tone for the new year. It also represents the season opener for both programs, featuring a top-10 showdown between two nationally ranked teams.
Webber enters the season ranked No. 4 in the NAIA Preseason National Poll, returning a veteran core and high expectations following a strong 2025 campaign. Taylor opens the year ranked No. 10, coming off a season that showcased the Trojans' continued rise as a national contender.
Players to Watch
The Warriors will once again lean on No. 88 Nick Sheaffer, the reigning Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year and 1st Team All-American. Sheaffer returns as one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the NAIA, capable of impacting the game as both a scorer and facilitator.
Taylor counters with No. 25 Henry Cooper, who returns after a stellar freshman season that quickly established him as one of the Trojans' top offensive weapons. Cooper's ability to create offense and finish plays makes him a focal point of Taylor's attack entering the season opener.
Season Opener Spotlight
With national attention on Babson Park, the game offers an early measuring stick for both programs as they begin their 2026 campaigns. Key areas expected to influence the outcome include faceoff play, transition efficiency, and goalie play as Webber returns All-American No. 6 Liam Murphy between the pipes.
First Faceoff: Friday, January 24 | 1:00 p.m.
Location: Webber Warrior Turf Field | Babson Park, Fla.
Watch Live: www.webberathlatics.com
For the latest and most up-to-date information on Warrior Athletics. Please visit www.webberathletics.com. Follow us on Twitter- @WebberAthletics, Instagram- @Webber_Athletics, and Facebook by searching Webber International University Athletics.
