The story of Merrimack’s season, in many ways, was about next season. Ever since September, the story of the Warriors was that it was their final season in men’s Division II lacrosse. Coach Mike Morgan had built Merrimack into a Division II powerhouse just in time for it to head to Division I and the Northeast Conference.

Entering the season as the defending champions, Merrimack brought back enough to warrant the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings. After a few stumbles along the way — losses to LIU Post, Adelphi and Le Moyne — the Warriors found their way when it mattered.

Merrimack swept through four of the top teams in the country in Mercyhurst, Adelphi, Le Moyne and Limestone to capture a second straight national title to cap its Division II reign. As a result, the No. 6 seed in the tournament (and No. 7 in our rankings) makes the jump to No. 1 in the year-end Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Men’s Top 20.

As for Limestone, a successful season ended with its lone loss, pushing it back to the No. 2 spot to end the season. Coach J.B. Clarke and his team could be one of the top teams next season, especially given the absence of Merrimack.

Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

Also considered (alphabetical order): Assumption, Catawba, Colorado Mesa, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Maryville, Saint Anselm

* NCAA champion
** NCAA finalist
*** NCAA semifinalist
**** NCAA quarterfinalist
***** NCAA tournament contender

HOT

Merrimack (+6)

Morgan and his team knew the talent they had — and it was just a matter of time before the Warriors put it all together. The Warriors found their groove as May hit, sweeping Mercyhurst, Adelphi, Le Moyne and Merrimack en route to the national title. Two straight championships is a nice run before Merrimack heads for the world of Division I. Could an offense led by Charlie Bertrand compete in the NEC?

Tampa (+5)

The Spartans looked as though they were taking a step back after losing four of their first seven games. But coach Rory Whipple and his team found itself somewhere along the way, riding star attackman Andrew Kew to an NCAA tournament berth. Tampa won 12 of 14 to end the season, and came inches close to downing Limestone in overtime of its quarterfinal matchup.

NOT

Mercyhurst (-5)

Overall, the season was a strong one for the Lakers, who finished 13-4 with an NCAA tournament berth. However, they ran into a Merrimack team destined for greatness, falling 16-5 in a disappointing finale. Out of the four losses, three of them came to teams that advanced to the final four (Limestone, Merrimack, Indianapolis).