Adelphi enters 2018 as the frontrunner in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Women's Preseason Top 20.

Beginning this season, the NCAA is moving to a four-region model for the Division II women's lacrosse tournament, which could shake up the establishment. The postseason field will still feature a 12-team bracket, but it has now been divided from two regions (North-South) to four regions (Atlantic-East-Midwest-South). In 2019, the tournament expands to 16 teams, continuing with the four-region model.

Here's more on each team that appears in the 2018 preseason rankings, with last year's overall record noted.

1. Adelphi (21-1)

The Panthers lost six seniors, including the program’s all-time leading scorer, Jacqueline Jahelka, and the NE10’s Defender of the Year, Ryley Weber. But it’s hard not to tab Adelphi – which has won three NCAA titles in the last four years and gone 85-3 during that stretch – as the favorite.

2. Florida Southern (21-3)

Four All-Americans, including Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Emily Santoli, return from a team that made its second straight NCAA title game appearance.

3. Lindenwood (21-2)

The Lions posted a school-record 21 wins and were the nation's last undefeated team in 2017 en route it their fourth straight NCAA semifinal. All-Americans Sophie Buelow and goalie Rachel Ortell should get them back there.

4. Le Moyne (19-2)

Three national semifinal appearances in four years for the Dolphins have brought encounters with NE10 rival Adelphi. Four of the top six scorers return.

5. Queens (17-4)

The Royals have won 35 games over the last two seasons, and won their fourth straight conference title last year. Two-time All-American Hanna Scott paces a productive offense.

6. LIU Post (16-3)

The Pioneers’ three losses last year were to Le Moyne (twice) and Adelphi in tight contests. First-team All-American goalie Olivia Kirk and top scorers Ryan McKinney and Alyssa Mallory return. LIU Post is the three-time defending ECC champion.

7. Regis (17-3)

Fresh off its first NCAA tournament appearance, the nation’s highest scoring team averaged 16 goals per game and returns four 30-goal scorers, as well as All-America midfielder Jada Bonner. Regis upset Lindenwood to win the 2017 RMAC championship.

8. Florida Tech (14-4)

The fourth-year program earned its first NCAA bid in 2017 and has become Florida Southern’s primary challenger in the SSC. All-American and leading scorer Sara Grenier is back.

9. East Stroudsburg (17-3)

All-American midfielder Chessie Rahmer and goalie Tatyana Petteway return for the Warriors, who won their first PSAC title and earned their first NCAA berth in 2017.

10. New York Tech (16-4)

With a roster full of Dowling transfers, the Bears reached the NCAA tournament in their first season. Karie Znaniecki (102 points) is among returnees.

11. New Haven (15-5)

With fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearances, New Haven hopes to be a postseason contender again in the competitive NE10.

12. Mercy (16-4)

Coming off a record-setting season and first-ever NCAA bid in 2017, Mercy should challenge for ECC supremacy in 2018.

13. Limestone (17-3)

Returning All-Americans Shannon Sisk and Alyssa Voccia should keep the Saints among the favorites in Conference Carolinas.

14. Rollins (12-5)

Midfielder Kallie German and defender Lindsay Van Beck are among the top returnees for the Tars.

15. Colorado Mesa (13-4)

CMU tied the school record for victories last season and is poised to be the next team to emerge nationally from the RMAC.

16. Indiana (Pa.) (11-7)

IUP has made six straight appearances in the PSAC playoffs but is still chasing the program’s first NCAA bid.

17. Molloy (10-5)

Last year’s leading goal scorer, Jessica Markowitz, headlines the offensive returnees.

18. Mercyhurst (13-5)

The Lakers reached the PSAC championship game for the fourth straight year, losing by one goal to East Stroudsburg in the 2017 final.

19. West Chester (12-5)

WCU has a streak of 14 straight appearances in the PSAC semifinals and has appeared in the NCAA final nine times.

20. Stonehill (12-7)

The Skyhawks were 10-3 in NE10 games last year and reached the NE10 semifinals for the 18th time in 19 years.