SAN DIEGO – After making their first appearance at the 2019 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance, Northern Arizona has been picked to win the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC) Division II race in 2021, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Lumberjacks, which grabbed six of the 10 first-place votes, were 4-0 and ranked No. 10 in the country when the 2020 season was truncated.

Following Northern Arizona in the No. 2 spot is UC San Diego, which snagged a pair of first-place votes. The Tritons also qualified for nationals in 2019 and were 5-0 last spring.

Cal State San Marcos sits in the third spot, four points ahead of Loyola Marymount, which grabbed two first-place votes.

San Diego rounded out the top five.

“Recognition for the hard work put in by previous rosters is always appreciated,” said Northern Arizona coach Will Lawlor. “We have key returners in leadership positions who have done a great job of welcoming a talented new class to Flagstaff. This team cannot wait to compete in 2021.”

2021 SLC Division II Preseason Coaches Poll