NEW YORK | Fresh off capturing the 2025 Skyline Conference Championship, the United States Merchant Marine Academy has been selected as the favorite to repeat in 2026, earning the top spot in the Skyline Conference Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Mariners totaled 62 points in voting conducted by the league’s head coaches.

Merchant Marine secured last season’s conference crown with a 12-10 victory over Farmingdale State in the Skyline Championship final, now enter 2026 looking to defend their title and build upon last spring’s success.

Farmingdale State, the 2025 runner-up, was selected second with 58 points after another strong campaign that saw the Rams finish among the conference leaders in scoring and advance to the championship game.

Maritime placed third with 48 points following a semifinal appearance last season, while St. Joseph’s-Long Island (44 points) also returns postseason experience after qualifying for the Skyline Tournament. Mount Saint Mary earned 37 points to round out the top five, followed by Manhattanville University (30), Mount Saint Vincent (22), Purchase (13), and Old Westbury (10).

The 2026 Skyline Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship will begin with first round action on April 25, followed by semifinal and championship rounds hosted by the highest remaining seeds on April 29 and May 2, respectively. The tournament champion will earn the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship.

2026 Skyline Conference Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Rank, School, Points (First-Place Votes)
1. Merchant Marine, 62 (6)    
2. Farmingdale State, 58 (3)    
3. Maritime, 48    
4. St. Joseph’s-Long Island, 44    
5. Mount Saint Mary, 37    
6. Manhattanville University, 30    
7. Mount Saint Vincent, 22    
8. Purchase, 13    
9. Old Westbury, 10