(CENTERVILLE, Mass.) – The ECAC Division II Men’s Lacrosse coaches’ poll has been released and Walsh University has been selected to finish sixth in the preseason vote. Head coaches of all eight teams in the league took part in the voting process. Defending conference champion Mercyhurst was a unanimous pick to win the league once again. Last year, the Lakers went 18-1 overall and 7-0 in the ECAC en route to a national championship appearance.
Walsh looks to improve its 3-7 record with its top three scorers returning in Mason Axline (Green, Ohio) (41 points), Ben Stephens (Murrysville, Pa.) (33 points) and Ian Maurer (Jackson Township, Ohio) (29 points) who combined for 70 goals and 33 assists. Also returning for the Cavaliers is senior goaltender Jeff Balzano (Chesterland, Ohio).
Seton Hill University was picked second, followed by Lake Erie College, Lindenwood University, and Wheeling Jesuit University to round out the top five. The Cavaliers are picked to finish ahead of Ohio Valley University and Alderson-Broaddus University.
The Cavs will open the season against the Battlers of Alderson-Broaddus in Philippi, W.Va., on Wednesday, March 4. Walsh’s first home game is set for Monday, March 10, against Young Harris College.
