NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Trine University men’s lacrosse team was picked to finish fifth in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC), while defending champion Adrian was picked to defend its title this season according to a preseason poll conducted by the MLC's head coaches Wednesday.
The Thunder finished fifth last season with a record of 4-4 in the MLC, just missing the post season tournament. Trine finished the season with an overall record of 10-4, and goes into the 2012 season returning four of the five players that were named All-MLC a season ago. This will be the final season for the Thunder in the MLC conference as the MIAA will add lacrosse as a conference sport beginning in 2012-13.
Adrian won the poll with 78 points including eight first place votes. The Bulldogs won both the MLC regular season and tournament title in 2011, advancing to the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Championship's first round.
Carthage placed second in the poll with 64 points. The Red Men finished fourth in the MLC last season, advancing to the conference tournament.
Aurora was third with 63 points and one first place vote while Mt. St. Joseph was fourth with 62 points and one first place vote. Both teams advanced to the conference tournament last season as Mt. St. Joseph played in the championship against Adrian.
Rounding out the poll was Trine (47 points), Concordia (Wis.) (42 points), Fontbonne (42 points), Albion (24 points), Hanover (17 points) and Milwaukee School of Engineering (11 points).
Voting is done by the Midwest Lacrosse Conference's head coaches. Each coach votes for the nine other schools in the conference in order of predicted finish. Points are assigned in reverse order of voting (nine points for first, eight for second, etc.). Coaches may not vote for their own teams.
2012 MLC Preseason Poll
1. Adrian - 78 (8 first place votes)
2. Carthage - 64
3. Aurora - 63 (1 first place vote)
4. Mt. St. Joseph - 62 (1 first place vote)
5. Trine - 47
T-6. Concordia (Wis.) - 42
T-6. Fontbonne - 42
8. Albion - 24
9. Hanover - 17
10. Milwaukee School of Engineering - 11