Sophomore midfielder Tim Edwards of the Canisius College men's lacrosse team was named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team, while the Griffs were picked third as a team in the coaches poll as Canisius attempts to defend its 2012 conference championship.

The 2012 MAAC Rookie of the Year, Edwards recorded 32 points, 13 goals and a team-best 19 assists during his freshman campaign. Also a member of the All-MAAC Second Team, Edwards ranked fourth among freshman midfielders in the country with 2.29 points per game.

The rookie recorded at least one point in all 14 games last season and was instrumental in helping the Griffs to the program's second MAAC Championship. Edwards netted the game-winning goal in the conference title game with just 1:46 remaining in a 10-9 victory over Siena.

The Saints were picked first in the preseason poll with 45 points and were followed by Marist in second with 39 points. The Griffs received 36 points with Detroit (28), Jacksonville (25), VMI (15) and Manhattan (8) rounding out the poll.

The Griffs return 21 letterwinners from the team that won the program's second MAAC Championship last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Canisius opens the 2013 campaign on Feb. 23 against Air Force in Denver.