The MCLA was active in 2021, but the outlook for 2022 looks even more promising. Some semblance of normalcy could return to the club ranks, and there’s palpable excitement for the new season.

The league slate really picks up speed on Feb. 5, and the Pac-12 Shootout — the essential season-opening event for MCLA fans — takes place Feb. 14-16 and features 11 games over three days on the campus of UCLA.

With the season mere weeks away, Brigham Young has positioned itself as the team to beat in MCLA Division I, returning each of its five top scorers from last spring.

California and its star-studded midfield are a close second, followed by Liberty, Georgia Tech and Cal Poly in the top five.

Continue below to see the rest of the USA Lacrosse Magazine Magazine MCLA Division I Preseason Top 20.

1. BRIGHAM YOUNG

The Cougars bring back their top five scorers from 2021. There are some holes to fill on the defensive end of the field, but goalie Mason Moon’s presence will mitigate that.

2. CALIFORNIA

The returning trio of Brendan Cook, Jake Pistotnik and Finnian Meagher, sets a strong foundation. The rugged midfield is going to be the strength of the Bears.

3. LIBERTY

Reigning conference defensive player of the year Ryan Reynolds returns in the cage, while Carter Elliot provides midfield punch. The Flames are big favorites in the ALC.

4. GEORGIA TECH

The Wreck’s three leading scorers — Devin Raun, Pierce Quarles and Sam Eck — all return, and you know the Tech defense will be salty. Faceoffs will be a question mark.

5. CAL POLY

Goalie Tom Baquerizo is expected to be a key player in the Mustangs’ success this year and will have a hearty defense in front of him. The Mustangs will be tough again.

6. SOUTH CAROLINA

Sam Weis, the big gun in the Gamecocks’ run to the 2019 title, returns, while Michigan transfer Javon Johnson will also bolster the attack. They’ll be ready to defend title.

7. CONCORDIA-IRVINE

Two prep All-Americans bolster a squad that graduated just four players off last year’s roster. Depth will be an asset for the Eagles this spring.

8. NEW HAMPSHIRE

Sean Houlahan takes the coaching reins for the Wildcats and has 26 returners from what was arguably the hottest team when things went sideways in 2020.

9. CHAPMAN

The Panthers are going to be young and athletic but massively inexperienced after the graduation of a large senior class. Chapman will likely be peaking later in the season.

10. CLEMSON

The return of standout Garret Brennan along with eight transfers from the folded Division I Furman program have optimism high. Jack McSorely is a difference-maker at the dot.

11. COLORADO

Long-time coach John Galvin departs, but there is plenty of talent left in the cupboard for a run at the RMLC title.

12. FLORIDA STATE

Led by 38 returners and some key transfers, the Seminoles are going to make a run in the SELC under new head coach Louis Albasi. The offense looks stacked.

13. UTAH VALLEY

The transfer of former BYU All-American LSM Zach Burbidge strengthens an experienced backline. This could be the year the Wolverines make a run at an RMLC crown.

14. MICHIGAN STATE

Shayne Miciek and Carson Greene lead an imposing midfield unit that will guide the Spartans early on. There are openings on attack but plenty of talent to fill the holes.

15. GRAND CANYON

Nearly the entire starting outfit returns for the Lopes and will be bolstered by the arrival of rookie goalie Jake Hives. Scoring shouldn’t be an issue for GCU.

16. OREGON

The shock of the untimely death of coach Charlie Jackson was compounded by the lost 2020 season, but the Ducks look like the clear favorite in the PNCLL.

17. BOSTON COLLEGE

The Eagles will have a different look than the last time we saw them with half the team filled with new faces. Defense will determine how far BC goes.

18. MINNESOTA

The defense will be the Gophers’ best asset, as veteran netminder Jack Courington has a stout group of poles in front of him. Connor Stoker will be the offensive trendsetter.

19. SANTA CLARA

Attackman Carson Lombardi leads the Broncos offense, but defense will determine how far they go. The backline returns nearly intact for 2020.

20. ARIZONA

A 17-man senior class and eight starters returning have the Wildcats feeling optimistic. Mason DePaola leads a talented midfield in the desert.