The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team, trying to improve on last season’s underwhelming record, has some hurdles to overcome if it wants to make strides. But the first step will not be overcoming an opponent, but the unfamiliar surroundings where they have to start.

The Bearcats start their non-conference schedule against the Sacred Heart Pioneers this weekend. Sacred Heart is coming off its best conference season last year, going 7-1 against Northeast Conference opponents.

Binghamton, looking to improve on last season’s 4-13 record, finally has access to a real practice facility at the Binghamton Indoor Sports Complex; the team had been using a gymnasium to practice in recent years. The Bearcats come in with the loss of only one senior and head coach Emily Edmonston is optimistic about the team’s prospects this season.

‘I definitely have the strongest group since I’ve been here,’ Edmonston said. ‘I think in terms of depth we look pretty good.’

Edmonston is starting her third year as head coach of the team and, despite a slow start in her tenure as head coach, going 7-25 over her first two years, her optimism for this year is not unwarranted. Binghamton will take the field with a roster full of veterans, and was very active in recruiting this season’s new players.

Facing a tough Pioneers team that starts its season with seven straight games on its home turf is a daunting challenge, especially considering the Bearcats will not see their own home field until March 16 when they host St. Francis in their only non-conference home game. BU will be on the road, taking on Quinnipiac, Siena and national powerhouse Syracuse before coming home.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. this Sunday in Fairfield, Conn.

Check out Pipe Dream next week for its women’s lacrosse season preview.