The Lindenwood women's lacrosse team earned the top spot in the US/Nike Lacrosse poll that was released on Wednesday. Lindenwood compiled a 9-1 record last season and was ranked No. 5 in the IWLCA poll prior to the stoppage of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lions return five players who garnered All-American recognition a year ago, including Carly Fedorowski and Erin McGuire, who landed on the Division II Preseason All-American Team for 2021.

Fedorowski had 24 goals and 21 assists in just 10 games a year ago including a season-high five against No. 12 East Stroudsburg.  The 21 assists ranked seventh in the nation, as the Stillwater, Okla. native ranked in the top-10 in four other categories.

McGuire was fifth in the nation in assists (24) and third in the nation in total points (49).  The Westminster, Md. native also scored 25 goals last season, which ranked fourth in the GLVC.

A pair of third-team All-American members in Lexy Biller and Eleanor Kast will also be returning for the Lions.

Biller earned IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week for her performance against No. 8 Florida Southern in February of last year.  She also led the team in shots with 57.

Kast, a Westhampton Beach, N.Y. native was fourth in the nation a year ago with a 6.16 goals against average.  The junior goalkeeper was also top-five in the GLVC with a .522 save percentage and 48 saves recorded.

The 2021 schedule will see the Lions play in four different states in the first five games. The schedule is highlighted by a matchup against GLVC foe UIndy, who slotted in at No. 5 in the poll.

The Lions will take on No. 15 Regis in the home opener on Saturday, February 27th