ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The defending Division III national champion RIT Men's Lacrosse team was ranked No. 1 in the 2023 Inside Lacrosse Division III Preseason Poll, announced Thursday.

The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in the 2023 Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Preseason Poll.
 
RIT was voted first coming off the program's second straight national championship, capped off by a 12-10 victory over Union in the title game last spring.

Fourteenth-year head coach Jake Coon welcomes back a strong group of returners from last year's that finished 22-1, including three All-Americans. Senior Honorable Mention All-American attackman Luke Pilcher returns after leading the Tigers in scoring last season. Junior defenseman Mike Grace returns after earning Third Team All-American honors and representing Team Canada at last summer's U-21 World Championships. 

Senior long-stick midfielder Taylor Jensen returns after landing USILA Long Pole Award and First Team All-American accolades, while sophomore attack Clifford Gaston (34g, 13a, 47p) and senior attack Spencer Bell (34g, 11a, 45p) return. Junior midfielders John Mozrall )14g, 22a, 36p) and Dylan Bruno (16g, 11a, 27p) are back along with senior defenseman Zach Gagnon. 

RIT opens its title defense on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Muhlenburg at 2:00 p.m.