ATLANTA – After winning its second-straight MCLA national title last spring, South Carolina has been installed as a narrow favorite to repeat as SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) Division I champions in 2023, according to the preseason coaches poll.

The Gamecocks (17-3), which were the first back-to-back MCLA champion since Colorado State did it in 2012-13, grabbed seven of the 10 first-place votes to push them three clear of the field.

Right on South Carolina’s heels is Georgia Tech (16-4), bolstered by a trifecta of first-place votes. The Yellow Jackets defeated the Gamecocks during the regular season, but lost to South Carolina in both the conference and national championship games by a combined four goals.

Florida (13-3), which also qualified for the 2022 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance, sits in the third position.

Georgia (5-8) and Auburn (9-4) finished in a tie for the fourth spot in the 10-team league.

2023 SELC Division I Preseason Coaches Poll