ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's lacrosse team has been voted first in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches' poll, receiving all the possible first-place votes. The Lakers have won the league's regular season and tournament titles for the previous four seasons.
 
GVSU collected four first-place votes, earning the maximum 16 points in the poll to finish first. Northern Michigan was voted second, earning one first-place vote. Concordia-St. Paul was third, followed by Davenport in fourth, and SVSU was selected fifth.
 
Last season, the Lakers finished 16-4, falling in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They were a perfect 8-0 in GLIAC play, then defeated Davenport and NMU in the conference tournament. The Lakers have not lost a league game in any of the past six seasons.
 
Seven All-GLIAC performers return for the Lakers, led by Goalkeeper of the Year Sarah Krause. Despite splitting time in the cage, Krause totaled 88 saves on a .547 save percentage. In front of Krause, multiple key defenders return to anchor the Laker backline. All-GLIAC, All-Region, and All-American selection Kylie Waeghe is back for her senior season, alongside two more All-GLIAC honorees Quinn McElroy and Karleigh Rothe. Also returning are juniors Tatumn Nyen and Lauren Volk, who both appeared in 17 games last season.
 
On the offensive side of the ball, seniors Gracie Bancroft, Jillian Bingman, and Ella Boose will lead the way after all earning Second-Team All-GLIAC honors a season ago. All three totaled over 40 points, scoring at least 25 goals. Kendra Swope will look to build off a strong freshman campaign, while six other multi-goal scorers will come back to Allendale as well.
 
Heading into their second season under head coach Dominique Hamman, the Lakers will feature 10 seniors, six juniors, eight sophomores, and 11 freshmen. GVSU, who was voted preseason 18th in the IWLCA poll, will begin the season on February 27^th at Seton Hill.
 
2026 GLIAC Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Preseason Poll

1. Grand Valley State		16 (4)
2. Northern Michigan		13 (1)
3. Concordia-St. Paul		10
4. Davenport		7
5. Saginaw Valley State		4