EAST STROUSDBURG – After a 20-2 season that saw the East Stroudsburg University women's lacrosse team advance to the NCAA Division II National Championship for the first time in program history, the Warriors have been selected No. 1 in the US Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Top-20 poll, the publication announced on Wednesday.

Additionally to being picked as the preseason favorite to win the national title, 2022 IWLCA First Team All-America midfielder Emily Mitarotonda was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year, while defender Maggie Sell was also named a preseason All-American.

Expectations are high once again for ESU, after capturing its second PSAC title and third Atlantic Region championship a season ago. The Warriors set school records for wins (20) while its explosive offense featured three 100-point scorers.

Three of ESU's five IWLCA All-Americans are expected to return this season, including Mitarotonda, Sell and Kiki Fitzpatrick.

Mitarotonda, a two-time All-America selection, enters her junior campaign with 137 goals, 34 assists for 171 points in just 38 games. No slouch defensively, Mitarotonda caused 34 turnovers, scooped 51 ground balls and posted 104 draw controls a season ago. She registered a program record 89 goals a season ago, and already ranks in the top-20 in program history in career goals (9th), career assists (19th) and career points (13th).

Sell had a breakout 2022 season with 57 ground balls and 41 caused turnovers, as one of the main factors in the Warriors ranking third nationally in caused turnovers, first in ground balls and sixth in scoring defense. She was named to the IWLCA All-America Third Team, the IWLCA All-Region First Team and the PSAC East Second Team. She is expected to be one of the leaders of the Warrior defense once again, with fellow All-American and PSAC East Defender of the Year Kayleigh Pokrivka graduating.

ESU looks to punch its ticket to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Semifinal and NCAA Championship Game will be hosted by the University of Indianapolis from May 19-21.

NIKE/USA LACROSSE DIVISION II WOMEN'S PRESEASON TOP 20

1. East Stroudsburg
2. Adelphi
3. West Chester
4. Le Moyne
5. Grand Valley State
6. Regis
7. Florida Southern
8. UIndy
9. Tampa
10. Rollins
11. Mercy
12. Pace
13. Seton Hill
14. Lynn
15. Wingate
16. Embry-Riddle
17. Colorado Mesa
18. Davenport
19. Mercyhurst
20. Mount Olive

Also considered: (alphabetical order): Florida Tech, IUP, Millersville, Roberts Wesleyan