In a preseason poll voted on by coaches around the Lone Star Alliance, the Texas lacrosse team was picked to finish first in the conference with 12 first-place votes. Texas A&M came in second with four first-place votes, while Southern Methodist, North Texas and Texas State rounded out the top five. Texas State also received two first-place votes.

“The coaching staff is very excited to get the season going and we are full of talented players at all positions,” said Texas head coach Noah Fink.

The Longhorns defeated Southern Methodist and North Texas in last year’s LSA tournament to earn the automatic bid to the MCLA national tournament, where they were knocked out in the first round by eventual champions Michigan. However, the Horns bounced back to defeat a tough Oregon squad in their consolation game and finished as the No. 14 team in the nation in the final rankings.

“Competition to get on the field is going to be strong and our depth is going to help us as the season takes it toll,” Fink said. “Our chemistry seems to be good right now as well. The team likes each other and that really helps to have good chemistry this early in the season.”

Last year, Texas was picked to finish second in the LSA preseason poll behind Texas A&M and started the season at No. 24 in the MCLA.