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Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association 2013 Rankings

Editor’s Note: Nicole Dyrdahl is back on LAS with the WCLA Preseason Rankings for D1 and D2. The Women’c Collegiate Lacrosse Association is growing like crazy. Will we see any big surprises in 2013? Nicole fills you in!

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Let’s take a second and talk about the underdog lacrosse association, the Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (WCLA). I don’t think they get enough credit. Coming from someone who played D1 WCLA lacrosse in the Rocky Mountain Conference, at the University of Northern Colorado, maybe I am just a little biased.

I think with the sport on the rise, soon enough we will see the WCLA become as big as some varsity programs. Anyway, enough talking about personal opinions and spewing my rhetoric. The rankings are out!

Of course for Division 1, it is no surprise that Colorado State University is ranked #1!

In the last 3 years, the Rammies have made it to the title game, winning in 2010 and 2011 respectively. In 2012, they lost to UC Davis, in a clincher 9-7. The Aggies are ranked in the 2nd top spot this year. I can only assume it is due to the incredibly talented CSU middie Hayley Bernstein, who was named preseason player of the year by Lacrosse Magazine. The All-American had 38 goals and 9 assists last year. The Lax Gods only know what numbers she will be pulling in this, her final season as a Ram.

Rounding out the top 5 for division 1 is as follows: 3. Florida Club, 4. Michigan Club, 6. Santa Clara Club.

In Division 2 news, UNC (North Carolina) got the top spot in preseason polling. This comes as no surprise, as the Heels nabbed the title last year against Towson in a very close game, 9-8. Towson, however, was not polled into the top 20 this year. I think the real underdog to watch out for will be Oakland who comes in ranked at 6th. They finished 6th last year, however their secret weapon is Desiree Messina.

Messina, a senior midfielder, racked up 77 goals and 33 assists last season and helped get Oakland to win their WCLA League title and make it into the tournament. Rounding out the top 5 for Division 2 are: 2. Utah, 3. James Madison Club, 4. Loyola Club, 5. Southern Methodist.

It’s definitely going to be a great year in WCLA as teams become more competitive and the sport continues to grow throughout the US.

WCLA Division 1 Preseason Top 20

1. Colorado State
2. UC Davis Club
3. Florida Club
4. UC Santa Barbara
5. Michigan Club
6. Santa Clara
7. Colorado Club
8. Brigham Young
9. Georgia
10. Texas
11. UCLA
12. Central Florida
13. Pittsburgh
14. Cal Poly
15. Penn State Club
16. Maryland Club
17. Virginia Club
18. Connecticut Club
19. Minnesota
20. Miami (Ohio)

WCLA Division 2 Preseason Top 20

1. North Carolina Club
2. Utah
3. James Madison Club
4. Loyola Club
5. Southern Methodist
6. Oakland
7. Minnesota-Duluth
8. UNLV
9. UC Santa Cruz
10. Dayton
11. Texas State
12. Wisconsin-River Falls
13. Gonzaga
14. William & Mary Club
15. Duke Club
16. Hope Club
17. Cornell Club
18. Grand Valley State
19. St. Benedict
20. Stanford Club