SPARKS, Md. -- The defending NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Champion East Stroudsburg University lacrosse team has been predicted to finish No. 6 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Magazine Division II Women's Top 20 Preseason Poll.

ESU posted a 12-4 overall record in 2021, advancing to the NCAA Semifinals for the second time in program history and finished No. 4 in the final IWLCA Coaches Poll, the programs' highest postseason finish.  

The Warriors sported a top-20 offense and defense nationally a season ago, holding an 8-2 PSAC East record. After falling to West Chester in two meetings during the regular season and in the PSAC Tournament, the Warriors rallied to hand the undefeated Golden Rams their first loss in the Atlantic Region Championship contest to earn its second-ever region title.

Defending national champion Lindenwood was picked to repeat, while Indianapolis, Le Moyne, Queens and West Chester round out the top five teams.

The Warriors will release their 2022 schedule shortly.

NCAA Division II Women's Top 20 Preseason Poll

1. Lindenwood
2. Indianapolis
3. Le Moyne
4. Queens
5. West Chester
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Roberts Wesleyan
8. Rollins
9. Florida Southern
10. Regis
11. Limestone
12. Seton Hill
13. Tampa
14. Mercy
15. Grand Valley State
16. Bentley
17. Adelphi
18. Mt. Olive
19. Pace
20. St. Anselm

 

Also considered (alphabetical order): Assumption, Belmont Abbey, Bloomsburg, Davenport, McKendree, Mercyhurst