How will Florida Southern handle being the hunted? After winning their first NCAA championship in just their fifth year of existence, the Mocs check in at No. 1 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Women's Preseason Top 20.
Reigning IWLCA Midfielder of the Year Emily Santoli leads the way for Florida Southern, which will be tested early in Top 10 showdowns against No. 9 Grand Valley State and No. 2 Adelphi on Feb. 16 and 21, respectively, in Lakeland, Fla.
The second-ranked Panthers, who appeared ready to steamroll to a second straight national title before running into Florida Southern in the NCAA final, boast arguably the nation's top player in Jackie Jahelka, the IWLCA Division II Attacker of the Year.
LIU Post, Lindenwood and Le Moyne round out the Top 5.
Scroll down to see the complete Top 20 or click here for a more comprehensive listing.
NIKE/US LACROSSE DIVISION II WOMEN
PRESEASON TOP 20
1. Florida Southern
2. Adelphi
3. LIU Post
4. Lindenwood
5. Le Moyne
6. Rollins
7. NYIT
8. Queens (N.C.)
9. Grand Valley State
10. Mercyhurst
11. West Chester
12. Indiana (Pa.)
13. Bentley
14. Limestone
15. Lock Haven
16. Regis (Colo.)
17. Stonehill
18. Pace
19. Southern New Hampshire
20. Saint Anselm