NEWARK, Del. - - In preparation for the 2023 season, Inside Lacrosse has released its Preseason Men's DII Rankings and the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team makes its appearance on the list at No. 19.
The Wildcats went 11-4 last year, claiming the 2022 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Regular Season Championship after a perfect 6-0 conference slate. The Wildcats fell in the CACC Tournament Championship game to Chestnut Hill, 13-12, for the second year in a row.
The Wildcats will have to deal with a number of teams on the Inside Lacrosse Preseason Poll in 2023, starting off with defending NCAA DII National Champion and preseason favorite Tampa on Saturday, February 11 in Florida.
The Wildcats will also host No. 7 Mercyhurst and No. 13 Pace before traveling to No. 2 Mercy all to start the season.
Wilmington was also spotted on the USA Lacrosse Magazine Division II Men's Preseason Poll, outside of the Top 20 but receiving votes. On that poll, Tampa and Mercy are also No. 1 and No.2, respectively, but Mercyhurst is listed at No. 4, and Pace is listed at No. 11. Chestnut Hill also makes an appearance at No. 20.
The Wildcats' season begins in the Sunshine State at No. 1 Tampa on Saturday, February 11 with a 1:00 p.m. faceoff.
Inside Lacrosse Poll: https://www.insidelacrosse.com/league/dii/polls/2023
USA Lacrosse Magazine Poll: https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/media/rankings/college/division-2-men