At 2-3, Salisbury is enduring its worst start in at least 17 years and is below .500 for the first time since losing two of its first three games in 2013. But coach Jim Berkman remains optimistic about the team's potential.
"We obviously didn't plan on being 2-3 at this point," he said Tuesday. "It's obviously disappointing that we're at where we are at this point, but we've got to stay positive, keep grinding, keep trying to get better each day so that we can move forward and hopefully have some better success."
The Sea Gulls, who fell from No. 12 to No. 17 in the latest United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association poll for Division III, have dropped two straight, including Sunday's 9-8 overtime loss to Ohio Wesleyan (4-0), which moved up from No. 15 to No. 11.
Berkman acknowledged that the team's start is a teaching point for the players and coaches.
"We obviously have to learn from some of the things we're not doing well," he said. "But by the same token, we can't dwell on them. We've got to work on things, get better, improve every day, stay positive and stay together. That's what it's about."
Berkman waved off a question about his level of concern about Salisbury's start, pointing out that the program – which has captured 18 of the last 20 Capital Athletic Conference titles and 10 NCAA Division III crowns – won't open league play until Saturday at St. Mary's.
"We haven't played one conference game yet," he said. "The concern is to get better today. That's what it's all about. Today is Tuesday, and we're going to cherish today and we're going to have a great practice, and we're going to get better today and hopefully be ready to play an extremely good Hampden-Sydney team tomorrow."