HIGH POINT, N.C.—The Limestone College women’s lacrosse team was picked No. 1 in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the league office on Thursday. The Saints are ranked No. 9 in the 2010 Lacrosse Magazine preseason poll after finishing the 2009 season with a 17-3 overall (11-1 conference) record.
Limestone will look to maintain its presence on the national scene this spring. The Saints had an outstanding performance last season as they claimed the Conference Carolinas regular season and tournament titles, and earned the program's fourth bid to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament.
Limestone returns 18 players from last season including 2009 Conference Freshman of the Year
Brigid Milchling (Cockysville Md.), and fellow all-conference honorees
Renee Albro (Purcellville, Va.),
Katie Ilott (Brooklin, Ontario, Canada), and
Erin Growney. The team will also have a lot of depth with 16 newcomers on the roster.
Pfeiffer University is picked to finish second in the poll, while Belmont Abbey is No. 3. Queens and St. Andrews round out the top five, followed by Lees-McRae, Converse, and Erskine.
The Lady Saints host Queens University in their season opener on February 17 at Saints Field in Gaffney, S.C.
Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First place votes in parentheses)
1. Limestone College (7) 49
2. Pfeiffer University (1) 39
3. Belmont Abbey College 37
4. Queens University 33
5. St. Andrews 27
6. Lees-McRae 17
7. Converse 14
8. Erskine 8