MINNEAPOLIS – St. Thomas, the six-time MCLA Division II national championship, is the overwhelming favorite to top the Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference (UMLC), according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Tommies, snagging five of the six first-place votes, were well clear of the rest of the six-team league.

The two-through-five teams were just two points apart when the final votes came in, however.

Dayton assumed the second spot with 22 total points. The Flyers were a single point ahead of both Grand Valley State and North Dakota State, which were in a tie for third with 21 points apiece. GVSU had the remaining first-place vote.

Minn.-Duluth was just a point behind the Lakers and Bison, but it was good for only fifth place.

St. John’s rounded out the poll in sixth.

The UMLC – traditionally the most powerful league in MCLA Division II – will have an automatic qualifying berth in the 2022 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance. Nationals will be held at the Round Rock (Texas) Multipurpose Complex from May 9-14.

2022 UMLC Division II Preseason Coaches Poll