INDIANAPOLIS- After winning the program’s first ever conference title, the Ashland Eagles are favored in the 2026 Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Preseason Poll. Ashland is followed by Findlay and Walsh to round out the top three in the coaches poll.
 
Head coach Lauren Simko returns a depth of talent including the reigning Attacker, Goalkeeper, Midfielder, and Freshman of the Year. Ashley Fisher enters the 2026 season ranking second in program history in points (208) and assists (82). Fisher, a native of Sunbury, Ohio, was voted Attacker of the Year as well as IWLCA second-team all-region after totaling 63 goals, 53 assists, 25 ground balls, and 11 caused turnovers during her junior season. Fisher was joined by freshman standout Tori Wanat who also earned all-region honors. Wanat doubled up as both the Freshman and Midfielder of the year after finishing her first collegiate season with 63 goals and 18 assists for 81 points. Goalkeeper Annie Duncan anchored an Ashland defense that gave up just 9.47 goals per game. Duncan finished the 2025 season with a 12-6 record in net and a goals-against average of 10.36 that included 119 saves. The trio is joined by Rachel Crumbacher and Lauren Hinders as first-team all-conference selections that will return for the 2026 season. The Eagles will open the 2026 season against Charleston.
 
Findlay was voted second after reaching the conference championship last season and recording a conference record of 6-2. Tessa Chuba is the top returner for the Oilers after starting in 17 games for head coach Beth Hemminger. Chuba led the team with 58 goals while adding 19 assists and 81 draw controls. She recorded a season-high eight goals against both Lewis and Tiffin during the 2025 season.
 
Walsh was picked third and will look to replace a talented senior class. The Cavaliers lead the league with four G-MAC titles and will look to return to the title game after falling to Findlay in the semifinals last season. The Cavaliers led the conference with the lowest goals-against average of 9.26, giving up just 166 goals through 18 games.
 
Thomas More and Tiffin cracked the top 5 followed by Malone and Lake Erie.
 
Sophomore Jadyn Carle returns for the Saints after starting in all 19 games as a defender. She caused 35 turnovers along with 31 ground balls. Carle and the Saints were 4-4 in the G-MAC last season and will battle William Jewell to begin the 2026 season.
 
For Tiffin, midfielder Lillian Graham helped the Dragons earn a bid to the G-MAC tournament. Graham tabbed 36 goals and added 6 assists during the 2025 season and helped the Dragons to an 8-8 overall record.
 
Northwood Lake Erie, and Ursuline complete the coaches poll, respectively.
 
The Timberwolves are the first team to compete in the conference this season with a non-conference matchup against Concordia St. Paul on February 13.

School	Points
1. Ashland (7)	71
2. Findlay (2)	66
3. Walsh	58
4. Thomas More	52
5. Tiffin	46
6. Malone	40
7. Lake Erie	28
8. Northwood	27
9. Ursuline	17