Informed that his Muhlenberg men’s lacrosse team was picked seventh in the Centennial Conference preseason poll, senior defenseman Steven Toto had a simple reaction: “That doesn’t sound too right.”

It doesn’t sound right because the Mules had the best season in their history last year, winning three of their last six CC games to finish sixth in the standings. Included in that stretch were their first win against an established CC program (14-6 against Franklin & Marshall) and their first CC road win (8-6 at Swarthmore).

It also doesn’t sound right because the team returns all but two starters and has experience and depth at every position except goalkeeper.

Muhlenberg, which opens with a game at Greensboro on Sunday, hopes to

Messler was tied for sixth on the team with 21 ground balls last spring.

prove the league’s coaches wrong and qualify for the CC playoffs.

“I really think it’s our year,” said Toto, who earned All-CC honorable mention last year. “We want to pick up where we left off last year, but we have to play a little tougher. Last year we had leads [in losses to] Haverford and Dickinson. It’s just a matter of being mentally focused, and this year we have that focus.”

The team’s success will depend on and start with the defensive unit, led by captains Kyle Hart and Toto. Hart, an All-CC selection in 2005, is among the most talented and physically gifted defenseman in the Centennial Conference. Toto had a breakout season in ’06 and will be counted on to provide both athleticism and leadership on the defensive side of the field.

Sophomore John DeLuca settled in as a close defenseman midway through last season and is a terrific athlete. He just may be the Mules’ most competitive 1-on-1 defenseman. Returning starter Carlo Morrongiello, a junior, is a smaller and quicker defenseman. Along with Morrongiello, senior Christian Messler will add toughness and athleticism at both longstick midfielder and close defense.

Junior Luke Silverman is the most physical defender on the team. Junior Patrick Lewis, who started five games last year, will compete with a very talented group of newcomers to play in front of a freshman goalie.

“We haven’t lost a beat on defense, and we have a lot of depth,” noted Toto. “The freshmen come from well-established high school programs, so we have a better knowledge of lacrosse in general.”

Offensively the Mules are an evolving group with potential at both midfield and attack. Senior co-captain Sean Toohill had a strong

Burwell is second among active players with 19 career assists, six of which came in 2006.

season in 2006, with 17 goals and 10 assists, and needs 28 points to become the program’s all-time leader. Junior Kyle Farris led the team in scoring (28 goals, 33 points) and was selected as an All-CC mid.

Juniors Tim Martin and Tim Dwyre add some offensive ability to both the midfield and in faceoff situations. Junior Michael Brown is a tall and rangy mid with tons of potential who will push for time in the midfield. Sophomores Andrew Lolley, who started 11 games, and Dan Dugan, who won 66 percent of faceoffs, will add experience and work ethic to the midfield.

The attackmen will be led by junior Mickey Norton and sophomore Nick Fletcher. Norton, an All-CC pick and the program’s leader with 40 career assists, continues his development into a dangerous offensive player, and Fletcher (six goals, eight assists) will look to establish himself as a consistent goal scorer.

Junior James Corley and senior Cliff Burwell enjoyed strong seasons in 2006 and will add experience to the offensive end of the field. Senior Michael O’Malley and sophomore Brian O’Neill will add depth and potential.

“We can’t complain that we’re a young team anymore,” said Toto. “We have people who’ve been part of games the last three years.”

In its fifth season since the program was reinstated as a varsity sport, Muhlenberg is also learning that success relies on more than talent.

“We listen better to each other,” said Toto, comparing this year’s team to the previous three. “In the past we were a little iffy with everyone being on the same page. Everyone on this team likes each other and we have no conflicts on or off the field.”

Even if they do have a conflict with the Centennial Conference preseason poll.