The Syracuse women’s lacrosse team enters this season ranked No. 1 in the deBeer preseason media poll, according to an SU Athletics press release Wednesday.

Last year, the Orange put together one of its most successful seasons in program history, going 19-4 and reaching the national championship. Syracuse returns 10 starters from last year in addition to the No. 1 freshman class in the country.

SU received five first-place votes and 189 total points. Northwestern, the defending national champion, starts the year at No. 2 after receiving four first-place votes and 188 points. Florida received one first-place vote and is No. 3. Maryland and North Carolina round out the top 5.

SU is one of four Big East teams to be ranked in the preseason poll. Loyola is No. 7, Notre Dame starts at No. 8 and Georgetown sits at No. 14.

The Orange is scheduled to play five Top-10 teams, as well as four more teams in the top 20.