VILLANOVA, Pa. – Notre Dame of Maryland University was picked to defend their women's lacrosse title as the Gators were the top pick in the 2022 Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) preseason coaches' poll released on Tuesday afternoon.

The Gators, who won the title in 2021 and also captured the 2019 title, received 47 points and five first-place votes. There was no 2020 title awarded due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bryn Athyn College was second with 39 points and one first-place vote, followed by Wilson College in third with 33 points and one first-place vote. The Phoenix advanced to the conference final in 2021, before falling to the Gators.

Keystone College sits in fourth with 29 points, followed by Sweet Briar College with 18 points. Cedar Crest College (16 points) and Centenary University (14 points) round out the poll.

The top four teams will battle for the CSAC title starting on Wednesday, May 4, with the championship scheduled for Saturday, May 7. The winner will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

2022 CSAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Notre Dame of Maryland University – 47 points (5 first place votes)
2. Bryn Athyn College – 39 points (1 first place vote)
3. Wilson College – 33 points (1 first place vote)
4. Keystone College – 29 points
5. Sweet Briar College – 18 points
6. Cedar Crest College – 16 points
7. Centenary University – 14 points