Terriers Ranked 20th In IWLCA Pre-Season Poll

BOSTON - The Boston University women's lacrosse team rounded out a field of the nation's Top 20 Division I squads in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Pre-season Poll that was released today (Feb. 27).

The poll marks the fourth consecutive season in which B.U. has been ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the nation. Last season, following their 14-7 upset of North Carolina, the Terriers garnered their highest-ever ranking of 6th in the nation.

The Terriers return 17 players, including five starters, from a squad that finished the 2001 season with an 11-8 record and reached the America East championship game for the third straight season.

On deck for B.U. in 2002 are six teams ranked in the Top 20 of pre-season poll, including #5 North Carolina and regional rivals #8 Dartmouth, #10 Syracuse, and #12 Cornell.

The Terriers, under first-year head coach Liza Shoemaker, open their season against Temple on March 8th in St. Petersburg, FL.

The University of Maryland, which has won seven consecutive national titles dating back to 1995, was picked to defend its championship, receiving 5 of a possible 10 first place votes.

IWLCA PRESEASON POLL

Team Votes
1. Maryland (5 first place)
 174
2. Princeton (1)
 167
3. Duke (3)
 156
4. Georgetown (1)
 155
5. North Carolina
 144
6. Loyola 138
7. Virginia 126
8. Dartmouth 121
9. James Madison 115
10. Syracuse 89
11. Penn State 85
12. Cornell 77
13. William and Mary 70
14. Yale 62
15. Johns Hopkins 44
16. Old Dominion 40
17. Notre Dame 39
18. Hofstra 36
19. Vanderbilt 22
20. Boston University 11

Also receiving votes: Delaware, Stanford