Monmouth tops divided MWC coaches poll

Monmouth received five first place votes to edge St. Norbert and Lake Forest. St. Norbert, my choice to win the conference, got two first place votes and landed in the second spot. Lake Forest was picked third after collecting one first place vote. Defending MWC Tournament champion Beloit got the two remaining first place votes and placed fourth in the poll.

Much like the coaches, I had a tough time predicting a winner in the MWC. As suggested by the poll, I agree that any of the top four teams could win it. I concede that Monmouth, last season’s co-champion and No. 1 seed at the MWC Tournament, may have the edge on paper with its returning players. But I think St. Norbert’s superior defense will win out.

Beloit, the 2010 regular season co-champion, won the MWC Tournament as the No. 2 seed. The Bucs lost to Washington, 3-0, at the Carthage Regional.

-Ricky Nelson