WAUKESHA, WI -- Aurora was picked to win the 2016 Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC) title according to the preseason coaches' poll released Wednesday.

The Spartans (14-8, 6-0 MLC) earned the MLC title and tournament championship last season, claiming the top spot in the poll with 47 points and five first place votes.  Aurora's season ended in the second round of the NCAA tournament, falling 19-8 at Lynchburg.

Benedictine (11-5, 5-1 MLC) finished second in the poll with 40 points and the final two first place votes.  The Eagles ended the season with a 16-8 loss to Concordia (Wis.) in the MLC tournament.

Concordia (Wis.) (10-7, 4-2 MLC) finished third in the poll with 39 points, while Beloit (5-8, 3-3 MLC) finished fourth (29 points).

Milwaukee School of Engineering (8-9, 2-4 MLC) placed fifth in the poll with 25 points and was followed by Cornell College (3-10, 1-5 MLC) with 20 points.

Concordia-Chicago placed seventh in the poll with 14 points as the Cougars prepare for their first varsity season. 

The 2016 season opens on February 13.  The MLC portion of the schedule will begin on March 19 with the MLC tournament slated for May 4 and May 7.

2016 MLC Coaches' Preseason Poll