CONWAY -- On the heels of its most successful year in program history, the Coastal Carolina women's lacrosse team heads into the 2016 season with confidence, momentum and high expectations. The Chanticleers, who finished last season with an 11-6 (5-2 Big South) record, have a lot to look forward to in just the school's fourth year as a Division I women's lacrosse program.

With 2015 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association (IWLCA) Division II Coach of the Year Kristen Selvage entering her first season as head coach, and two other first-year assistant coaches -- Katie McConnell and Kelly Hamilton -- joining her staff, the Chants aspire to win the Big South and earn their first NCAA tournament berth.

"Our Chants have been incredibly excited about the breath of fresh air that we have brought into the team philosophy," said Selvage, who joined the program after 15 years as the head coach at Lock Haven. "We are focused on new beginnings on the field, while our seniors plan to tie up the loose ends with the help of the underclass players. We spent a great deal of time teaching our new systems on offense and defense last semester, so the first few weeks of preseason are geared towards fine tuning and perfecting our game plan while we work hard to keep our team healthy and in a positive place."

The Chanticleers have 25 players returning from last season, including four who scored in double-digits in 2015. With a high-octane veteran offense and a sprinkling of youth -- six freshmen and one walk-on, the team has set the bar high for a stellar 2016 campaign. "They want to win the Big South in their fourth season of existence, and also want to take their first trip to an NCAA tournament," said Selvage. "Our coaching staff would like to see them stick to the game plan that we have taught them. While besting last season's record is a silent goal, our priority is to establish a solid foundation from which we can grow. This is why our goal of sticking to the game plan is more important in the long run."

According to Selvage, the plan is to have a well-rounded offense, utilizing every player on the field and not relying too much on last year's statistical leaders. Senior attackers Keri White and Sara Nolan, who combined for 65 goals last year, are expected to be key contributors. The team is returning 13 of its top 14 goal-scorers from 2015, but there could be several surprise breakout stars this year. "The offense has been working tirelessly on sets that allow everyone on the field to be an equal scoring threat," said Selvage.

Defensively, the Chants will be anchored by junior Lauren Thomas and senior Maddy Ciardi, veteran leaders who started a combined 31 games last year. "The defensive unit is far more disciplined and will be really fun to watch," said Selvage. "They have fully bought into our defensive scheme and we are pleased with their fiery and feisty denial. In the goal, Jenna Stover has been working to hold onto the reigns and make a name for herself in the goal cage. She has been mentoring freshman goalkeeper Harley Barrett who should also see time in goal."

The Chants officially begin the 2016 season on Friday, Feb. 19, with a home game against Elon University. "The very first game vs. Elon is key for us," said Selvage. "We want to get out and set the pace and stick to the game plan. We want to show that we are a 60-minute team from the very first game and learn how to control the momentum of the game right from the beginning of the season.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for our Chanticleer lacrosse program. Everyone will immediately see a new energy coming from our bench and across our field. It is contagious and our fans are going to want to be a part of it."

For the Chanticleers' complete 2016 schedule, click here.