Ithaca and Naz Ranked in Pre-Season Poll
Division III rankings
The Ithaca College and Nazareth College men's lacross teams are ranked 16th and 18th, respectively, in the 2016 USILA/Nike pre-season coaches poll.
Two-time defending national champion Tufts is ranked first, followed by Lynchburg, RIT, Amherst and Salisbury.
The Bombers, coached by Jeff Long for his 29th season, were 13-5 in 2015 and fell to Nazareth by one goal in the E8 title game. Ithaca opens the 2016 season Feb. 27 on the road against Marywood at 1p.m.
The Golden Flyers, coached by
Rob Randall for his 16th season, made their 21st NCAA Tournament appearance in 2015 after winning the E8 conference title. Nazareth opens its 2016 season Feb. 20 at home against Plattsburgh at 1 p.m.
Ithaca plays three games against top-20 teams in No. 3 RIT (away April 19), No. 8 Cortland (home March 30) and No. 18 Nazareth (home April 9). In addition, RPI and Colorado College are in the also receiving votes category.
Nazareth is scheduled to play four games against top-20 teams in No. 3 RIT (at home April 26); No. 8 Cortland (at home March 4); No. 16 Ithaca (away April 9) and No. 17 Denison (at Stevenson March 19). In addition, Springfield, Western New England and Plattsburgh are in the also receiving votes category.