Limestone reached the pinnacle of the NCAA Division II men’s lacrosse world again in 2017, getting by Merrimack in the national championship game. And as the 2018 season approaches, the Saints are poised to compete for, if not win, their fourth NCAA championship in five years.
However, this season will be markedly different for Limestone fans accustomed to the dominance of year’s past. Gone is the best faceoff man in the history of Division II in Kevin Reisman, who was drafted by MLL’s Ohio Machine. Reisman’s dominance was key to finishing as the top offense in Division II for three straight seasons. His departure leaves a huge void to fill, but the Saints routinely generate talent.
Limestone has its top four scorers returning, including Charlie Sheehan, who led the team with 84 points last season. Also back is goalie Cole Aikens. But the competition for Limestone doesn’t get easier, with Merrimack and Le Moyne right behind it.
Merrimack, at No. 2, loses Max Allen and Tim Towler from the offense, but returns a defensive stud in James Bassett. The Warriors will be hungry to capture their first national championship after finally breaking through to Memorial Day weekend. Le Moyne, at No. 3, knows what it takes to beat Limestone — doing so most recently in 2016. Brendan Entenmann will anchor the defense, which has become Le Moyne’s identity.
Adelphi and Pace, both Northeast-10 rivals, round out the top 5.
A more detailed preview of the rankings will be appear as part of US Lacrosse Magazine’s NCAA preview edition that mails to US Lacrosse members Feb. 1.
Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Men’s
Preseason Top 20
1. Limestone
2. Merrimack
3. Le Moyne
4. Adelphi
5. Pace
6. NYIT
7. Tampa
8. Lenoir-Rhyne
9. Belmont Abbey
10. Seton Hill
11. Wingate
12. Mount Olive
13. Mercyhurst
14. Mercy
15. Lake Erie
16. Colorado Mesa
17. Saint Anselm
18. Queens (N.C.)
19. Lindenwood (Mo.)
20. LIU Post
Also considered (alphabetical order): Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Indianapolis, Rollins, Southern New Hampshire, St. Leo, Tusculum