CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. – The Lock Haven University lacrosse team has earned a No. 5 ranking in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II Preseason poll.

The Lady Eagles are also ranked fifth in the Lacrosse Magazine Division II Preseason poll.

LHU is tied for fifth in the IWLCA poll. The Haven shares the fifth spot with Stonehill College.

LHU received 53 points in the poll.

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival West Chester, the defending National Champion is ranked No. 1 in the poll.

West Chester is followed by C.W. Post, Adelphi and Limestone.

The Lady Eagles are looking to continue their success in the national spotlight following a strong 2008 campaign, which included a 16-4 finish. LHU was 12-2 in the PSAC and finished as PSAC finalists.

Lock Haven will be led by returning All-Americans Leigh Titus (Towaco, N.J./Montville) and Katie Zichelli (South Orange, N.J./Columbia).

LHU is one of four schools that represent the PSAC in the IWLCA preseason poll.

The Lady Eagles begin the 2009 campaign when they travel to Spartanburg, S.C. for a matchup with Converse College on Wednesday, March 4. The contest is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.

IWLCA Division II Preseason poll (Feb. 2009)

Ranking/Team -- ’08 record -- Points -- 1st place votes

1. West Chester -- 20-1 -- 99 --(9)

2. C. W. Post -- 17-2 -- 86 -- (1)

3. Adelphi -- 16-1 -- 84

4. Limestone -- 17-2 -- 66

5t. Lock Haven -- 16-4 -- 53

5t. Stonehill -- 14-3 -- 53

7. Mercyhurst -- 12-3 -- 29

8. New Haven -- 14-3 -- 24

9. Gannon -- 11-4 -- 14

10. Belmont Abbey -- 12-7 -- 9