DAVIDSON, D.C. - Davidson women's lacrosse coach Kim Wayne and Director of Athletics Jim Murphy announced today that the Wildcats will join the National Lacrosse Conference (NLC) and start league play in the 2010 season.

"We very much appreciate being invited to join the National Lacrosse Conference and the opportunity to join other schools in our quest for a Division I Lacrosse championship," said Murphy. "It will be exciting to participate in the expansion of the NLC in the coming seasons."

Davidson, playing independent since leaving the American Lacrosse Conference in 2006, will join Liberty, Presbyterian, Howard, Longwood, Detroit Mercy and Jacksonville. Of those six teams, the Wildcats have played three of the teams annually the past few seasons.

The NLC was founded in 2009 as a premier NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse conference. All schools in the conference have exhibited a strong commitment to academics, athletics, and community involvement. The Inaugural NLC tournament will be held in April 2009 at Longwood University.

"I'm thrilled that we'll have a championship to fight for," said Wayne, who is in her first season with the Wildcats. "It's frustrating to work so hard for eight months and have nothing to show for it except an overall record. The NLC is comprised of teams from all over the region who are competitive both athletically and academically, which makes it a perfect fit for Davidson. I'm looking forward to seeing the conference develop through the years."

Davidson (5-10) wrapped up its season with a 4:00 p.m. contest at Presbyterian on Tuesday, April 21.

2009-04-22