SAN FRANCISCO – They’ve combined for three national semifinals appearances and two spots in the finals over the past four years, and now California and Cal Poly are slotted one-two in the 2021 Western Collegiate Lacrosse League’s Division I preseason coaches poll.

One thin point separates the two programs heading into the spring. Cal checks in with 77 points along with five first-place votes while Cal Poly grabbed 76 points and four top-spot nods.

The Golden Bears finished the 2020 season with a 7-1 record and a No. 3 national ranking while the Mustangs were 8-1 and situated at No. 1.

Santa Clara was placed at No. 3 while Dominican rounded out the top four of the nine-team conference, which will have an automatic qualifier to the 2021 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance in Round Rock, Texas, from May 10-15.

2021 WCLL Division I Preseason Coaches Poll