PERRY, N.Y. – The Ursinus College men's lacrosse team was slotted No. 13 in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA)/Nike Division III Preseason Coaches Poll.
It marked the third preseason top-15 ranking for the Bears, who were also tabbed 13th by Lacrosse Magazine and Face-Off Yearbook.
Ursinus is coming off a strong 2015 season that culminated in a trip to the Centennial Conference championship game and the first NCAA Tournament victory in school history. The Bears bring back five all-conference selections, including two-time USILA All-American goalkeeper Brian Neff, from last year's group that finished 14-4 overall and 7-1 in league play under Centennial Conference Coach of the Year Jamie Steele.
Defending national champion Tufts was placed atop the poll, followed by Lynchburg, RIT, Amherst, Salisbury, Gettysburg, Stevenson, Cortland, Middlebury, and Bates.
In addition to defending Centennial Conference champion Gettysburg, Washington College received votes in the poll. Ursinus will also face No. 20 Montclair State and Frostburg State (received votes) during the 2016 campaign.
The Bears open their season on Saturday, February 20, when they host Albright.
USILA/Nike Division III Preseason Coaches Poll