SAN DIEGO – It has not lost a regular season conference game since the league’s inception, making Chapman the top choice in the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Panthers (17-3), which has advanced to last six national semifinals, swept all eight first-place votes, placing them 15 points clear of second place.

Arizona State (12-3) and Concordia-Irvine (12-5) are in a tie for second place with 49 points apiece. The two teams met last year in the SLC tournament semifinals with the Sun Devils stopping the Eagles, 13-9.

Each of the top three teams advanced to the 2019 MCLA National Championships sponsored by New Balance.

Rounding out the top four is Arizona (8-5), which edged out Grand Canyon (5-8) by two points.

“With a new streamlined divisional format, 2020 is going to be very exciting,” said SLC director Matt Holman. “Unlike in seasons past, all of our top teams will be playing each other during the regular season. It’s going to be a fun ride.”

2020 SLC Division I Preseason Coaches Poll