Le Moyne's NCAA championship defense will hinge, unsurprisingly, on its defense.

The Dolphins, ranked No. 1 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Men's Preseason Top 20, lost star goalie Alex Krawec and a trio of offensive veterans, the defensive core — led by All-American Brendan Entenmann — remains and should carry this team throughout the season. Brian Rogers will also be back to give some experience to the offense.

Limestone, the team Le Moyne beat in the NCAA championship game, lost some heavy hitters as well. Kyle Rhatigan and Mike Messenger were two of the top players in school history. But the Saints like Charlie Sheehan a lot and coach J.B. Clarke says their attacking philosophy will not change. Limestone enters 2017 at No. 2.

The team most likely to loosen the Le Moyne-Limestone stranglehold on Division II? Merrimack. With eight of their top nine scorers returning, the Warriors come in at No. 3.

Tampa, led by super sophomore Andrew Kew (62 goals as a freshman) and NYIT, with Alex Seltzer in goal, round out the Top 5. 

Scroll down to see the complete Top 20 or click here for a more comprehensive listing.

NIKE/US LACROSSE DIVISION II MEN
PRESEASON TOP 20

1. Le Moyne
2. Limestone
3. Merrimack
4. Tampa
5. NYIT
6. Mercyhurst
7. Adelphi
8. LIU Post
9. Seton Hill
10. Mount Olive
11. Florida Southern
12. Lake Erie
13. Pace
14. Belmont Abbey
15. Lindenwood
16. Indianapolis
17. Mercy
18. Lenior-Rhyne
19. Colorado Mesa
20. Lynn