CLEVELAND – The Massachusetts lacrosse team has been picked as the 2026 preseason favorite, as voted on by the league’s head coaches. 

The Minutewomen earned six first-place votes and a total of 48 points while also receiving six votes to claim the 2026 tournament title. 

Akron, the defending tournament champions, and Eastern Michigan tied for second with 37 points apiece. Robert Morris finished just behind the pair with 34 points. 

The Zips and Colonials each received one first-place vote as well as a nod to take home the tournament crown. 

The season begins this Friday and concludes with the MAC Lacrosse Championship on April 30 and May 2 at Joe Walton Stadium in Moon Township, Pa. For more information on lacrosse, visit GetSomeMACtion.com or follow us on Twitter at @MACSports.

2026 MAC Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. UMass (6)- 48 points
T2. Akron- 37 points
T2. Eastern Michigan (1)- 37 points
4. Robert Morris (1)- 34 points
5. Central Michigan- 28 points
6. Kent State- 19 points
7. Youngstown State- 12 points
8. Detroit Mercy- 9 points
 
Tournament Champion: UMass – 6; Eastern Michigan – 1; Robert Morris – 1