No. 6 Duke renews its quest for its first national championship when it kicks off its season Saturday at noon against Bucknell in Koskinen Stadium.
The Blue Devils return six starters and 36 letterwinners from a squad that finished 18-2, won the ACC title and was shocked in the Final Four after sitting atop the national polls all season.
Third-year head coach John Danowski will look to senior Ned Crotty, a stalwart in the midfield the last two seasons, who figures to attract more attention without Matt Danowski, the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, and Zack Greer, the NCAA's all-time leading goal scorer.
Junior attackman Max Quinzani ranked second on last year's team with 61 goals and third with 69 points. He could serve as Crotty's top target from the midfield.
Senior faceoff specialist Sam Payton, junior defenseman Parker McKee and senior midfielder Brad Ross are other Blue Devils that have garnered preseason honors.
After taking on Bucknell, Duke hosts Colgate and Harvard next weekend.
-from staff reports
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