DENVER -- Even though it lost in last year's Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC) Division II championship game, Montana State has been tabbed as the favorite to take down the league in 2018, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Bobcats (10-7) stumbled in the back half of the season, losing five of the final eight games, but with a solid roster returning, Montana State is expected to edge out MSU Denver (10-4).

The Roadrunners, which fell to eventual semifinalist North Dakota State, 13-8, in the first round of the 2017 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, are second in the poll, ahead of CU Denver (5-6).

Colorado Mines (5-4) rounds out the top four.

RMLC Preseason Division II Coaches Poll