With an incomplete 2020 season offering limited insight, and a fall ball season that didn’t offer much more (even for the few teams that actually took to the field), the process of handicapping the 2021 season has been unlike any other.

How much weight should be given to the results of 2019? Do coaches even know for sure which of their seniors are taking the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility? Will teams be able to play outside of their regions or conferences? These were all questions that in some cases had not yet been answered when we developed our Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Women’s Preseason Top 20.

RELATED

Kole Pollock Named US Lacrosse Magazine D-II Women's Preseason Player of the Year

One of the things we do know, per the NCAA’s announcement in mid-December, is that the NCAA tournament has been reduced from 16 teams to 12. That means that every game will have even more meaning, with little margin for error by those seeking to claim a bid.

Continue below to see the rest of the top 20. Rankings are compiled by US Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors in consultation with college coaches.

Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

NIKE/US LACROSSE
DIVISION II WOMEN’S PRESEASON TOP 20

1. Lindenwood 
2. Queens
3. Le Moyne 
4. Adelphi 
5. Indianapolis 
6. West Chester 
7. Rollins 
8. East Stroudsburg 
9. Tampa 
10. Grand Valley State 
11. Limestone 
12. Florida Southern 
13. Mercy 
14. Assumption 
15. Regis
16. Concordia-St. Paul 
17. Saint Anselm
18. Florida Tech 
19. New Haven 
20. Bentley