INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) has released the results of the Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll prior to the start of the 2026 season. The Malone University women's lacrosse team was chosen to finish sixth in the conference.
 
Ashland University received seven first-place votes and tallied 71 points in total as the preseason favorites. The Eagles won their first regular season and conference titles last season. The University of Findlay was second on the ballot with two first-place votes and 66 points.
 
The Pioneers are entering their third season as a program, all under Head Coach Michael Jewell. Malone had a record of 10-9 one season ago and made their first appearance in the G-MAC Tournament. The team was tied for sixth in the league standings.
 
On offense, the Pioneers are set up for success with each of their top five goal scorers from 2025 back this season. Redshirt senior Cam English netted 48 goals for the squad and junior Abbey Burns was just behind at 40. Sophomore Alana Samek, sophomore Meg Ridgway and junior Emma Weintz makeup the remaining top scorers.
 
Malone also has a lot of experience returning on defense. Junior Regan Blythe, junior Cambrie Neuenschwander and sophomore Samantha Williams started in at least 18 of the team's 19 games. In goal, junior Sommer-Jo Grieser and sophomore Sydney Atkinson both saw time and are on the roster for 2026. Grieser made 116 saves to lead the team last season.
 
English is the lone senior on this year's team, but the Pioneers are not lacking experience with seven juniors, nine sophomores and seven freshmen.
 
The first game of 2026 comes on the road at Saginaw Valley State University. That contest takes place on Saturday, February 14 at 1:00 P.M.