Merrimack, one of the most prominent Division II programs in college lacrosse, is on the way up to Division I lacrosse. News broke early Monday morning that Merrimack accepted an invitation to join the Northeast Conference, bringing with it all of its Division II sports (men’s and women’s hockey currently play in Division I).

The Warriors will compete in the NEC in the 2019-2020 year, but will undergo a four-year reclassification period and be eligible to play as a full member of the NEC by the 2023-24 season.

“Our student-athletes have enjoyed tremendous success academically and athletically,” Merrimack Director of Athletics Jeremy Gibson said. “We are thrilled that they will have the opportunity to pursue excellence through membership in the Northeast Conference, and that our entire community will experience the excitement of Division I athletics across all of our program.”

Merrimack has been a member of the Northeast-10 since 1984 and most notably has found success in its men’s lacrosse program. Coach Mike Morgan and his team took down Saint Leo on May 27 to win their first Division II national championship.

The Warriors men’s lacrosse team has had a winning record each season since 2007. They’ve now made the NCAA tournament in three consecutive seasons and advanced to the NCAA Division II final in consecutive years.

Over the past 10 seasons, Merrimack has amassed an 89-16 record in NE-10 play, winning multiple conference tournament and regular season crowns.

Merrimack will eventually join a Northeast Conference men’s lacrosse cast that includes Saint Joseph’s, Bryant, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, Mount St. Mary’s, Hobart and Wagner. Robert Morris won the NEC tournament in 2018, and Saint Joseph’s has won two of the past three conference regular season crowns.

As for the Merrimack women’s lacrosse team, it had its first winning season since 2011 this spring. Coach Julie Duffy led the Warriors to a 14-5 record, including a 10-3 mark in the NE-10.

The Warriors advanced to the NE-10 semifinals, where they fell to second-seeded Adelphi.

Merrimack women’s lacrosse will enter into an NEC that includes Bryant, Central Connecticut, LIU Brooklyn, Mount St. Mary’s, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, Saint Francis (Pa.) and Wagner.