Bear's Ranked 8th in MCLA, Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook

Baltimore, MD - 

Faceoff Yearbrook, a production of Inside Lacrosse, has released its preseason rankings for MCLA Division II, which was posted on the IL website and is shown below. 

Inside Lacrosse is pleased to unveil the Top 20 rankings for MCLA Division II, as found in the 2018 Face-Off Yearbook (available for purchase via Inside Lacrosse).

MCLA Division II Top 20

1. St. Thomas
The Tommies were denied a repeat, but expect them to favorites once again with do-it-all middie Erik Thysse leading the way.

2. Grand Valley State
One of the most consistent programs in the division over the past five years, the Lakers should once again be in the final four mix, bolstered by the attack play of Jake Parry.

3. Dayton
The Flyers are in a new conference this spring, but that should dampen expectations. Shifty attackman Ryan Cass could be the best player in the country.

4. North Dakota State
Expect the Bison to be as disciplined as ever this spring, although they may have to lean on Evan Schraut and their defense more than in years past.

5. St. John’s
Midfielder Tommy Kraus had an outstanding rookie campaign for the Johnnies, but now he’ll have to back it up as the main focus of opposing defenses. 

6. Sierra Nevada
A new coach takes the helm as the Eagles come off the best season in program history. Attackman Jake Caliguire anchors a stacked offensive unit.

7. Minn.-Duluth
Jared Johnson emerged as a premium attackman last year, but the Bulldogs usual backline strength will determine how they hold up this spring.

8. Bridgewater State
Attackman Sean McGreal will have to carry the offensive load after a ton of points graduated, but All-American goalie Joe Marmion will keep the Bears atop the PCLL.

9. Cal State Fullerton
With Concordia-Irvine moving up to Division I, Fullerton should be the SLC beneficiary. Michael Henry is a difference-maker in the cage and there’s plenty of offense returning.

10. Montana
Scoring goals should once again not be a problem for the Grizzlies. The defense, led by goalie Andrew Moesel, will determine whether Montana can repeat as PNCLL champs. 

11. Florida Gulf Coast
The Eagles run to SELC title might have happened a year early because this team, led by attackman Jordan Briggs, returns a loaded squad to Fort Myers.

12. Metro State
With goalie Jake Miller back between the pipes, expect the Roadrunners to be a step ahead of the RMLC. A solid graduating class raises a couple of questions, but not many.

13. College of Idaho
Last year’s undefeated regular season ended with disappointment in the conference playoffs for the Yotes. Now a year wiser, and still with stud scorer Nic Guzzetti, COI is dangerous.

14. Kennesaw State
The Owls graduate an epic senior class, but dynamic attackman Dennis Bell brings plenty of potential to the front line. Finding a goalie replacement for Connor Hanson is the trick.

15. Louisiana
The Ragin’ Cajuns broke through to the nationals for the first time thanks to the offensive prowess of Edwin Pigeon. The rest of the LSA will be gunning for them, however.

16. Montana State
The Bobcats are looking to get back to nationals and attackman Louis Richman provides a great foundation to start the quest. A more experienced defense will help, too.

17. Northern Arizona
The Lumberjacks broke out last year and flirted with a bid to nationals. Attackman Adam Zimmerman leads a potent offense that should have NAU in the mix to the very end.

18. San Diego
Drew Harvey  (32G, 20A) should be considered among the best attackman in the country, and he’ll have plenty of help to keep the Toreros in the hunt.

19. Providence
Providence (formerly Great Falls) will continue to lean on attack/defender – you read that right – Chase Clark, who was the Argos top pole and, after trading sticks, top scorer (31G, 15A).

20. Missouri State
The Bears returned to nationals in ’17 after capturing the GRLC championships. Now that MoState is in the LSA, the road for attackman Tim Harvatin and his peers will be rockier.

Information courtesy of Inside Lacrosse and MCLA - http://mcla.us/news/2017/12/faceoff-yearbook-mcla-ii-ranking