FORT WORTH, Texas -- With 16 teams, the Lone Star Alliance has one of the largest Division II leagues in the MCLA. With the results in from the coaches preseason poll voting, Sam Houston State has been tasked with guiding this group into the 2016 campaign.

The Bearkats edge out Oklahoma State -- the 2015 conference champions -- for the top spot in the poll. St. Gregory's (Okla.) and Louisiana-Lafayette round out the top four.

Sam Houston State hasn't been to the MCLA national tournament since 2013, which was the fourth consecutive trip for the Bearkats at the time.

2016 LSA Preseason Coaches Poll