Picked 4th by inside Lacrosse is insulting and underestimating this team. Beat Vermont and UMBC last 2 out of 3 and beat Albany last year for outright regular season title. That said it's definitely a tough conference.
Gilardi's first year will come down to AE playoffs. Make the tournament and win a playoff game. Go Seawolves!
I think you can take that top four and scramble them any way you like. UMBC got hot late in the year and took the whole thing, which means expectations are high again this year. SB, although regular season champ last year, has some variables in place with a new coach.
As a result, I would not take the preseason poll too seriously. But you're right, the conference will be tough. Should be fun.