COLONIA, N.J. – The Mercy University Mavericks – by just one point – took the top spot in the 2026 East Coast Conference (ECC) Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll on Tuesday morning.

Mercy received 45 points and four first-place votes, while Molloy University was in second with 44 points and three first-place votes among the seven coaches in the conference.

Roberts Wesleyan University was in third with 35 points.

The three schools shared the regular season crown last season, with Molloy capturing its first ever ECC title with a 15-13 win over Mercy in the title game.  
In addition to taking the top spot, Mercy netted both Preseason Players of the Year as Ashlinn Kelly was named as the Offensive Player of the Year, while Olivia LaMonica was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Kelly, a sophomore midfielder, made quite the mark in her freshman campaign as she was the ECC Midfielder and Rookie of the Year on her way to a first-team All-ECC selection. In 17 games, she had 48 goals, 17 assists, 65 points, 29 caused turnovers, 23 ground balls and 15 draw controls.

LaMonica, a senior goalkeeper, was named as a second-team All-ECC selection last season as she went 10-7 with 120 saves, a .448 save percentage and a 10.16 goals-against average which led the conference. She was second in the ECC in save percentage.

Daemen University was fourth with 28 points, while D’Youville University was fifth with 23 points. St. Thomas Aquinas was sixth with 14 points, followed by the University of the District of Columbia in seventh at seven points.

Regular season play begins on Saturday, February 14, as UDC heads to Davis & Elkins, with Mercy opening play on Tuesday, February 17. Three teams (UDC, Roberts Wesleyan and Molloy) will all be in action on Wednesday, February 18.

Conference play begins on Saturday, March 14, as D’Youville heads to UDC while Mercy entertains Roberts Wesleyan.
The 2026 championship, which features the top four teams, is set to begin on Wednesday, April 29, with the title match to be played on Saturday, May 2.

2026 East Coast Conference Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Mercy University - 45 points (4 first-place votes)
2. Molloy University – 44 points (3 first-place votes)
3. Roberts Wesleyan University – 35 points
4. Daemen University – 28 points
5. D’Youville University – 23 points
6. St. Thomas Aquinas College – 14 points
7. University of the District of Columbia – 7 points

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Ashlinn Kelly, Mercy
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Olivia LaMonica, Mercy