Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State women's lacrosse team was chosen third in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll announced on Wednesday.

The Red Hawks were chosen behind defending champion The College of New Jersey, who collected six of the seven first-place votes with Rowan finishing second. Kean University was fourth and tabbed as the dark-horse selection. Stockton University, Ramapo College, and Rutgers-Camden round out the poll.

Under the direction of head coach Nicol Parcelluzzi, now in her 15th season, Montclair is coming off a 10-8 season, including a third-place finish in the conference. MSU fell to Rowan in the NJAC Tournament semifinals.

The Red Hawks return two All-Conference players in senior MEGAN MAHLSTADT and junior BRITTANY COSTIGAN. Mahlstadt led the team in assists with 45 and totaled 66 points, which was also No. 2 on the squad. Costigan broke her single-season record for draws pulling down 139 along with 21 goals and 39 ground balls.

Montclair State opens its season on Friday, February 21, at home against Farmingdale State with its first NJAC contest slated for Saturday, April 4, against TCNJ.