The 2017 college lacrosse season concluded just a week ago. While it may seem too soon to look ahead to next year, it's still a fun exercise. Over the next five days, US Lacrosse Magazine will make an early attempt to size up a Division I top 25 for 2018.

NO. 10 NORTHWESTERN

2017 record: 11-10 (4-2 Big Ten)
Last seen: Squeaking into the NCAA tournament with one win above a .500 record, but ultimately falling to Stony Brook for the second time in 2017.
Senior starts lost: 59 of 252 (23.4 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 144 of 317 points (45.4 percent)

Initial forecast: Northwestern had a replica season as 2016, finishing with an 11-10 record, teetering on the edge of making the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats made it both years, being knocked out by Stony Brook with a 13-9 decision this season. During the regular season, they defeated Notre Dame in just its second game, but then went on a four-game losing streak to Colorado, USC, Syracuse and Stony Brook. While all against Top 20 opponents, they needed at least a .500 record to go dancing. Their only other losses were also to Top 20 teams, avenging one of those losses, to final four contender Penn State, in the Big Ten tournament. Northwestern will be looking to take a step up in 2018, but lose its top three point getters in Christina Esposito, Danita Stroup and Catie Ingrilli. However, that’s all the team graduates. The ‘Cats return a lethal soon-to-be senior class featuring Shelby Fredericks, Selena Lasota and Sheila Nesselbush, with Fredericks dominating on the draw. Starting keeper Mallory Weisse also returns.

NO. 9 PRINCETON

2017 record: 15-4 (6-1 Ivy League)
Last seen: Knocking off Ivy rival Cornell for the second time in one week before nearly upsetting fourth-seeded Penn State in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Senior starts lost: 93 of 228 (40.8 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 141 of 415 points (34.0 percent)

Initial forecast: The most noticeable loss for Princeton in 2018 would be Tewaaraton finalist Olivia Hompe, who was an integral part as the team’s dominant leading scorer ranking first in Division I for goals per game, but the Tigers will also take a hit graduating starting goalie Ellie DeGarmo, who had the best save percentage in Division I. Together, they helped Princeton win the 2017 Ivy League crown, and also net key wins over Notre Dame and Syracuse. However, assist leader Colby Chanenchuk will be back next year, as well as standout midfielders Tess D’Orsi and Elizabeth George. If the Tigers can successfully fill the big shoes, including key spots on defense losing starters Amanda Leavell and Madeline Rodriquez, they could have repeat success on the horizon.

NO. 8 PENN

2017 record: 13-4 (6-1 Ivy League)
Last seen: Dipping out of the NCAA tournament at the hands of the Cinderella team of 2017, Navy, by just one goal.
Senior starts lost: 65 of 204 (31.9 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 82 of 294 goals (27.9 percent)

Initial forecast: Penn lost early in the year to conference rival Cornell by six, then to Maryland by four in March and cruised through the remainder of the season until May hit. The Quakers had a short postseason, being dominated 17-8 by Princeton in the Ivy tournament, which was followed by an unsuspecting 11-10 loss to Navy after receiving the No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. They graduate a six-member senior class, led by starting goalie Britt Brown, leading scorer Emily Rogers-Healion and defender Megan Kelly, but still have talented players returning in 2018, including high scorers Alex Condon and Caroline Cummings, draw specialist Erin Barry and defensive force Katy Junior. If its No. 5 scoring defense in the country can stay strong with new faces, it’s possible Penn could have a better season next year. 

NO. 7 BOSTON COLLEGE

2017 record: 17-7 (3-4 ACC)
Last seen: Being the unlikely ACC team in the final four, shocking the world with an impressive performance from Most Outstanding Player Kenzie Kent.
Senior starts lost: 97 of 288 (33.7 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 244 of 573 goals (42.6 percent)

Initial forecast: Boston College was the 2017 tournament darling. For the first time in program history, it advanced to the NCAA championship – as an unseeded team, which surprised many fans and teams, and as the unlikely team from the ACC to advance that far, especially after a sub-par regular season in the conference. The Eagles lost to Syracuse by 10, Virginia Tech by six, North Carolina by two and Duke by three. They peaked at the right time, playing Maryland to a much better game than its 21-13 regular season loss, falling by just three in the NCAA final. The best news for them in 2018 is that the first-ever MOP from the runner-up of the NCAA tournament, two-sport start Kenzie Kent, will be back and hungrier as a senior. Point leader Sam Apuzzo also returns. However, Boston College will need a new leader in goal after graduating Zoe Ochoa.

NO. 6 PENN STATE

2017 record: 17-4 (5-1 Big Ten)
Last seen: Inching past James Madison and Princeton in the NCAA tournament only to be dominated by Big Ten rival Maryland in the final four after playing the Terps to just two goals in the regular season.
Senior starts lost: 105 of 252 (41.7 percent)
Senior scoring departing: 149 of 427 points (34.9 percent)

Initial forecast: Penn State returned to the final four for the second straight year after ending a 17-year absence in 2016. However, it wasn’t the performance the Nittany Lions were hoping for, falling to Maryland by 10 goals, losing the draw battle 22-10. Their 2017 season was highlighted by wins over Towson, Cornell, James Madison, Princeton, Virginia and Northwestern, earning the fourth seed in the NCAA tournament despite falling to the Wildcats in the Big Ten tournament. They lose point leader Steph Lazo, but still have leading scorer Madison Carter next season as well as top midfielders Katie O’Donnell and Maggie Gallagher. Its defense may need some rebuilding, but the team has the experience to mold new leaders where it’s necessary.