The 2020 DII women’s lacrosse season opens in familiar fashion. For the ninth time in the sport’s 20-year history, the Adelphi Panthers enter the season looking to defend their crown. Adelphi won its ninth title in 2019, defeating West Chester 11-5.
RANKINGS: IWLCA preseason top 25
The Panthers have appeared in five of the last six national championship games, winning four. They have won consecutive championships on two different occasions and with DII national player of the year Kole Pollock back to lead a solid group of returners, the Panthers are an easy pick to repeat once again. Remember, this team was a three-seed in its own region last year that found another gear and became a goal-scoring machine in the NCAA tournament.
So, who has the best chance to take down Adelphi and play for the 2020 DII women’s lacrosse title? Let’s go around each region and take a peek at some contenders.
Atlantic: West Chester
The Golden Rams lost quite a few pieces to graduation but still return six starters from last year’s run to the national championship game. Tatum Altman and Tara Morrissey will take over as the senior leadership, and with the 2019 team assist leaders heading the charge, West Chester is in good shape. Let’s not fool ourselves: this program has appeared in 10…
