ATLANTA, Ga. — The ASUN Conference is proud to welcome Jacksonville, Lindenwood and Mercer to its membership in the sport of men’s lacrosse for the 2023 season, announced Wednesday by the league office. The trio brings the ASUN’s member participation in the sport to nine teams, joining Air Force, Bellarmine, Cleveland State, Detroit Mercy, Robert Morris and Utah.

“The ASUN takes great pride in expanding opportunities for regular season and postseason opportunities,” ASUN commissioner Ted Gumbart said. “Our men’s lacrosse championship is five weeks away and will feature the top four of our current six programs. Next year, we will consider a move to a six-team event, as we will feature nine outstanding universities in ASUN men’s lacrosse.

“Bringing the nationally ranked Jacksonville University program back under the ASUN umbrella will give us additional credibility, strength and depth. Mercer is an outstanding university, and we have a great history with the Bears as a full member and affiliate member. It will be great to add them to our men’s lacrosse lineup. Lindenwood will be starting its reclassification period next year, and we look forward to providing a quality experience for the men’s lacrosse student-athletes. We also look forward to increasing our national significance in NCAA men’s lacrosse.”

The ASUN welcomes back both Jacksonville and Mercer, as they were previous members of the conference. The Dolphins return a strong program to the league, as they are currently ranked No. 12 in the Inside Lacrosse Division I Men’s Lacrosse Poll. Jacksonville, who was 3-2 in ASUN play in 2014, stands at 8-2 on the season and has won three straight contests. The team has lined up against Mercer, Air Force, Utah and Bellarmine already this season and has earned signature victories over No. 2 Duke (14-12) and No. 14 Denver (11-9).

The Bears spent the 2014 season in the ASUN and went 4-1 in league play that campaign. Mercer is 3-7 this season and has played the likes of Bellarmine, Jacksonville, Cleveland State, Robert Morris, Air Force and Utah. Mercer is also the only NCAA Division I men’s program in the state of Georgia.

The Lindenwood program has put together a record of 70-36 heading into its ninth season in the NCAA this year. The Lions made an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2015 after posting a program-high 14 wins since joining the NCAA. In eight full seasons, 25 all-conference members have worn the Lindenwood uniform, including four All-Americans.

The future is bright for men’s lacrosse in the ASUN, as the league looks forward to the nine teams battling it out in 2023 in pursuit of the ASUN crown when the second season of the sport’s relaunch gets underway.