The High Point University women's lacrosse team was picked No. 1 in the National Lacrosse Conference Preseason Poll released late on Tuesday. The Panthers won the NLC Tournament and finished the season 15-4 in 2011.

Behind High Point, Jacksonville was picked second in the NLC poll. The Panthers beat the Dolphins in overtime in the NLC title game last season. Longwood was picked third and Davidson fourth followed by Liberty (fifth), Presbyterian (sixth) and Howard (seventh).

High Point opened the 2012 season with an 11-10 win over Navy, which finished last year ranked 21st in national RPI. Sophomore Christie Dougherty scored three goals, including the game-winner, in the victory.

HPU features 18 returners and 10 freshmen this season. The returners include five All-NLC selections from last year: attackers Grace Gaeng and Chelsea Thompson, midfielder Sara Kuhlman and defenders Jasmine Jordan and Courtney McLaughlin.

Gaeng was named 2011 National Lacrosse Conference Player of the Year after scoring 53 goals with 25 assists for a league-high 78 points along with 27 draw controls and 25 ground balls. HPU head coach Lyndsey Boswell was named NLC Coach of the Year.

HPU brought in 10 freshmen for this season, including goalie Julie Burns, who made a relief appearance and earned the win against Navy. She made five saves on eight shots. Freshman Kendyl Gardner scored the goal that tied the game at 10-10 against Navy. Freshman midfielder Stephanie Pazulski also got time on the field and had one draw control.