Now just two weeks from beginning its season-long defense of last year’s NCAA Championship, the UNC men’s lacrosse team will start 2017 as the top-ranked team in America.

The USILA/Nike Preseason Coaches Poll released on Tuesday placed the Tar Heels atop the list, while Inside Lacrosse–which also released its Preseason Top 20–ranked UNC at No. 2 behind Denver University.

All five ACC lacrosse schools–a list that also includes Duke, Virginia, Notre Dame and Syracuse–were ranked among the top 14 in both polls.

Senior defender Austin Pifani was the lone Tar Heel to receive First Team status on Inside Lacrosse’s Preseason All-American rosters.

Pifani’s fellow defender Jack Rowlett–also a senior–was chosen to the Second Team, while Luke Goldstock, Stephen Kelly and John Sexton each found a spot on the Third Team.

Junior attacker Chris Cloutier–the Most Outstanding Player at last year’s Final Four–and senior midfielder Michael Tagliaferri made the Honorable Mention Team.

No other ACC school had as many players named All-Americans as UNC’s seven.

The Tar Heels will have a scrimmage against Navy this Saturday, Jan. 28, before officially starting their regular season the week after on Feb. 4, with a home game against UMBC.

For the full rankings and All-American lists, click here.

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