PITTSBURGH – Michigan State has won the last five Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association Division I championships, so it was no surprise that the Spartans were slotted in the top spot of the CCLA’s preseason coaches poll, which was released recently.

Michigan State (8-5) met third-seeded Grand Canyon in the first round of the MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, bowing to the Lopes, 10-7. The Spartans were followed in the preseason poll by Davenport (16-2), which lost to MSU in the 2016 CCLA championship game, 11-6.

Pittsburgh (10-5) was tabbed third, narrowly edging out conference newcomer Minnesota (8-5). The Gophers were formerly members of the Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference (UMLC), but transitioned to the CCLA this spring. Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Oakland rounded out the poll

The CCLA tournament will be held on the weekend of April 29 at a site to be determined.

2017 CCLA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll