Limestone took home yet another Division II national title last season, culminating with a victory over Merrimack at Gillette Stadium. A lot has changed since then, including the graduation of one of the best faceoff men in college lacrosse history in Kevin Reisman. The Saints now come into 2018 with a huge hole to fill.

Could this be the year that a team other than Limestone or Le Moyne breaks through? Willing challengers like Merrimack (which made its first final in 2017), Adelphi, Pace and Tampa sit close behind. The Spartans already kicked off the Division II season with a win over Tusculum — the start of what could be an extremely competitive race to the top.

Buckle up.

1. Limestone

Kevin Reisman, one of the most decorated college lacrosse players at any level, leaves a huge void on faceoffs. But the defending NCAA champs do bring back their top four scorers, led by first-team All-American attackman Charlie Sheehan (63 goals).

2. Merrimack

The Warriors finally broke through to the national title game and feature game changers on attack (Charlie Bertrand) and defense (James Bassett). However, the Warriors lose Max Allen, Tim Towler and Kyle Stenberg on offense, so we’ll see how deep this team is on that end.

3. Le Moyne

The Dolphins identify with defense. Brendan Entenmann is back to lead that unit. Kendall Vecchio also returns at the faceoff X.

4. Adelphi

Nearly everyone returns from a team that finished 10-1 in the Northeast-10. Goalie Brendan McDougal is one of the best in Division II, faceoff man Mark Andrejack returns and a young offense has another year to develop.

5. Pace

The Setters have improved every year under coach Tom Mariano, made their first NCAA tournament in 2017 and bring back top scorer Liam Brennan and All-American goalie Bobby Beshlian.

6. NYIT

The Bears underachieved last season, but no one’s questioning their talent. Matt Chanenchuk leads the offense and Ian Prate the same on defense. However, losing goalie Alex Seltzer and middie Will Kistinger will be tough to overcome.

7. Tampa

Andrew Kew broke the NCAA Division II single-season scoring record with 86 goals, but won’t have wingman Conor Whipple. “Andrew Kew is the real deal and while he will have to adjust to the graduation of Conor Whipple, he will have another big year,” one rival coach said.

8. Lenoir-Rhyne

Top scorer Eric Dickinson and All-American Colin Lett are back. “They will lose some of their offensive firepower to graduation but have a strong returning group including the attackman Dickinson, who was impressive when we saw him on film last year,” said an opposing coach.

9. Belmont Abbey

All-Americans Adam Wiedemann and Kyle McGinley lead the Crusaders. “They have to win games versus the big boys in their region if they want to make noise,” said an opposing coach.

10. Seton Hill

Seton Hill finished 2017 strong and brings back nine of its top 10 scorers. It’s a team that another Division II coach called a “sleeper pick.”

11. Wingate

Wingate had a resurgent year in Tim Boyle’s first season, but will deal with a few losses on both sides of the ball. It will definitely help to have All-American goalie Will Sheridan back.

12. Mount Olive

Mount Olive loses last year’s leading scorer Brett Kingston, but that’s about it. Back is All-American goalie Will Urban and most of the defense.

13. Mercyhurst

An opposing coach: “Defenseman [Greg] Weyl is one of, if not the best defenseman in the country.  They will have a lot of new faces on the offensive side of the field.  Defensively they will be good, that will allow their offense time to mature.”

14. Mercy

Mercy returns three of its top five scores and most of its defensive starters. Watch out for Ryan MacSpayden. 

15. Lake Erie

Returns almost everyone from a team that disappointed in 2017. Leading scorers Mitchell Stokes and Edmond Renaud are gearing up to win in their senior seasons.

16. Colorado Mesa

Loses leading scorer Steve Brandenburg, who accounted for 20 percent of the team’s production last season. Also gone are a couple defensemen.

17. Saint Anselm

Saint Anselm lost three of its top five scorers, but returns much of the defensive unit, including goalie Lucas DeAngelo.

18. Queens (N.C.)

Back are the top three scorers from last season, including Justin Stick and his 43 goals. A huge void needs to be filled at faceoff, where Jonathan Paige dominated last year.

19. Lindenwood

Returns two of the top four scorers, including Kevin Eskridge, who had 40 points in 2017. Goalie Ben Besancenez is also back after starting 13 games last season.

20. LIU Post

LIU Post might be due for a bounce back year. Despite offseason changes that included the departure of longtime coach John Jez and losing All-American faceoff man Anthony Galeotafiore, the Pioneers bring back almost all of its offense and SSDM Kris Alvarado.