CLEVELAND, Ohio – Head coach Dylan Sheridan of the Cleveland State University lacrosse team announced Friday the four individuals that will serve as captains for the 2018 season.

Sophomores Caleb Espinoza, Noah Gleeson, Gage Johnson and Danny Tesler were elected as captains in a vote by the team.

Espinoza started all 14 games in the cage last season and was named All-Freshman Honorable Mention by College Crosse. He finished with 176 saves, second among DI freshmen, while posting a .521 save percentage, third among DI rookies. He was fourth in DI in saves/game (12.57) and posted 13.60 saves/game against DI opponents, a mark that led the nation. Espinoza contributed double-digit saves in 12 of 14 games, including each of the final 10 of the season while tallying 16+ saves on four occasions, including a season-best 19 at No. 1 Denver.

"No person in our program wears his heart on his sleeve more openly than Caleb," Sheridan said. "Caleb's love for the game, CSU lacrosse and for his teammates make him an ideal captain. I am thankful to announce him as captain for the 2018 season."

Gleeson was one of just two field players to start every game a season ago, contributing in the midfield and at attack. He contributed 21 points on the strength of 12 goals and nine assists while adding 19 ground balls on the year. He tallied three assists in April 29 win over Detroit Mercy, the program's first win over a Division I opponent. Gleeson also contributed multi-goal outings in games at No. 1 Denver and at No. 1 Penn State.

"Noah is starting to unlock his potential both as a player and leader on our team," Sheridan said. "I am eager to see him grow into an elite attackman and thrilled to announce him as captain for the 2018 season."

Johnson played in 13 games last season, starting five contests on defense and also serving as a long-stick midfielder. He collected 18 ground balls and caused six turnovers on season. Meanwhile, Johnson himself only committed two turnovers the entire year. He tallied an assist in an April 15 win and posted a season-high-tying three ground balls at No. 1 Denver.

"Gage's positive attitude and commitment to Viking lacrosse are on display at all times," Sheridan said. "He's always first in line when opportunities to better our program arise, and I am excited to announce him as captain for the 2018 season."

Tesler led team in faceoff wins (90) and ground balls (69) in CSU's initial season. He was among the top 20 in Division I in ground balls per game (5.67) and was the third-best freshman in the category. He went 90-for-169 on faceoffs for the season with his .533 faceoff winning percentage being among top five of DI freshmen. Tesler also posted 14 points on 10 goals and four assists and was tied for second on the team in shooting percentage (.333). He scored two goals and won over half of his faceoffs in games at Duke and Ohio State.

"From the day he arrived in Cleveland, Danny has been a bellwether in our locker room," Sheridan said. "I have no doubts that he will continue to excel in his role as team leader, and I am proud to announce him as captain for the 2018 season."

Cleveland State continues its fall season this weekend as it faces off against Team Canada Sunday, Oct. 8, in Buffalo, N.Y.