Middlebury once again remains the team to beat in Division III women’s lacrosse, returning to the top spot in the Nike/US Lacrosse Preseason Top 20 after following a 2019 national championship with a trio of wins before the 2020 season ended abruptly due to COVID-19.
The Panthers have won 25 straight games since opening the 2019 season with a 11-10 loss to Bates and are hoping for a chance to extend that despite uncertainty still surrounding NESCAC play amid the pandemic. Several leagues entered the new year still awaiting a schedule or announcement of a return to play.
Tufts and Franklin & Marshall don’t appear too far behind Middlebury in terms of talent, but for now the most recent champions have the edge.
Continue below to see the rest of the top 20. Rankings are compiled by US Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors in consultation with college coaches.