Adrian favored in Men’s Lacrosse poll

Adrian unanimous favorite in MLC preseason poll

Milwaukee

Adrian College received all eight first-place votes and was the unanimous choice to win the Midwest Lacrosse Conference championship this upcoming 2011 season, according to the preseason coaches' poll.

The Bulldogs won last season's MLC title, the inaugural season of the conference, with a perfect 6-0 record in conference play and finished with a 10-3 overall record. Adrian returns five first team All-MLC players, including 2010 Player of the Year, junior attack D.J. Clevely who ranked third in NCAA Division III in assist per game (2.77) last season.

College of Mount St. Joseph was picked second in the poll with 120 points, Trine University third with 104 points and Fontbonne University fourth with 98.

Carthage College was tabbed fifth (94 points), Albion College sixth (64 points), Aurora University seventh (42 points), MSOE eighth (32 points) and Concordia University Wisconsin last (22 points.)

Aurora and Concordia Wisconsin join the conference this season, and Hanover College will join the MLC next season making 10 members in 2012.

Poll points were compiled on an 18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2 basis. Only eight of the nine head coaches were available and participated in the poll.

The MLC is an NCAA Division III conference, and will be eligible for an automatic bid to the NCAA III championship tournament beginning in 2012.