Grand Canyon has played in three different divisions over the span of five years, and now the Lopes are MCLA Division I champions. It has been magical journey for this Phoenix-based program. What's the next chapter for GCU?

Lopes head coach Manny Rapkin caught up with MCLA.us for a "5 Questions" showdown.

MCLA: It's been quite a ride over the past five years for Grand Canyon, going from NCAA Division II, to MCLA Division II, to MCLA Division I and now MCLA champions. Did it all play out as you expected or were there some bumps along the way?

MR: The most memorable bump was our first round exit in the 2014 conference championships. We had experienced so much success so early, we started to take things for granted. Watching the national tournament from home taught us a lesson we needed to learn.

MCLA: Complacency is always one of the pitfalls for teams coming off a national championship. Did you feel like your team was focused this fall on the task of repeating or are they still enjoying their accomplishment? What's been your approach in this area?

MR: While the challenges of success are more agreeable, they're no less difficult. Complacency and focus are a challenge in the fall for all teams who play deep into May. How quickly we narrow our focus in January will be critical. We play eight Top 15 teams this year, so there's not a lot of time to relax.

MCLA: The NLL is now benefiting from the services of Carson Barton. You've got some quality offensive talent returning this year, but will it be possible to replace what Barton provided? Who are some under-the-radar guys who could help fill his void?

MR: People don't realize what Carson did for us besides the goals and assists. He was very disciplined, and that had a big effect on our offense. He also had 41 ground balls on our offensive side of the field and only 21 turnovers. So he actually created possessions for us as an attackman. For the first time since we started the program in 2011, we will have all upperclassmen at attack and our first midfield unit. We are looking for all those guys to fill the void.

MCLA: Are there are any fresh faces on campus that might be contributing right away to the repeat run?

MR: Junior long-stick middie Nate Smith from Aliso Nigel, Calif., could be an impact player. Senior Eli Sayson out of Elk Grove, Calif., is our No. 1 defensive middie coming out of the fall and is playing well. Sophomore Ryan McDonald, a Widener (Pa.) transfer, should help us, as well.

MCLA: I'm sure you've got plenty of teams outside of the rugged SLC who want to take a shot at the champs. What's your non-conference schedule look like? What are the teams that the program is excited for more than most?

MR: The eight Top 15 teams in nine weeks, plus much improved Utah, Utah Valley, Boise State and UNLV will force us to stay focused on the next game and not look ahead to any one game in particular.

Here's our schedule: