The Ohio Northern University men's lacrosse program has been recognized by the NCAA national office as the Division III statistical champion for scoring defense during the 2017-18 season.

The Polar Bears recorded the top mark after conceding just 5.59 goals per contest, which topped second-place finisher Hope College's scoring defense (5.88) by .29 during the year.

During their eight-game conference schedule, Northern would hold OAC foes to just 5.13 goals per game.

Due to their defensive efforts, the Polar Bears would set new program-bests with 14-3 regular season and 7-1 conference records under third-year head coach Nat St. Laurent.

The ONU athletic department will receive a plaque from the NCAA for display at the institution to honor the statistical champions.