BOSTON – The UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team was selected to finish third in the 2026 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon.
The team secured its second consecutive 10-win season in 2025, finishing 11-6 overall and 5-1 in conference play to earn a share of its first-ever America East regular-season title. Returning 11 players who started at least 12 games and the league's Goaltender of the Year, the River Hawks received 27 points in this year's poll. The third-place ranking marks the second straight year UMass Lowell has earned the spot, while the 27 points surpass last year's total of 25 points.
With 35 points and five first-place votes, UAlbany took home the top spot after winning the America East Championship last season. Right behind the Great Danes, Bryant earned 30 points and two first-place votes. Behind the River Hawks, Vermont garnered 18 points, while UMBC (16), Binghamton (15), and New Hampshire (6) rounded out the poll.
Alongside the poll, the conference announced the 2026 Preseason All-Conference Team, which featured two River Hawks. Representing one of three midfielder spots, senior
Audra Hansen (Stamford, Ct.) was recognized by the league, while junior
Alexa Kuhn (Rocky Point, N.Y.) was recognized as the All-Conference goalkeeper.
Hansen, who started in 14 of 17 games, put together a career year in 2025, totaling 33 goals and 13 assists for 46 points, all career-bests. The Connecticut native also added 12 ground balls and seven caused turnovers, earning her a spot on the America East All-Conference First Team, All-Academic Team, and the America East All-Championship Team for her performance in the playoffs.
Kuhn, meanwhile, proved to be the best goaltender in the conference last season, as she finished the year with 161 saves and a .461 save percentage, which ranked 20
th in Division I. Making double-digit saves in nine games, the New York native was named the America East Goalkeeper of the Week five times before being named the 2025 Goaltender of the Year and tabbed to the All-Conference First Team at the end of the season.
Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll
Pl. School Pts. (1st)
1. UAlbany 35 (5)
2. Bryant 30 (2)
3. UMass Lowell 27
4. Vermont 18
5. UMBC 16
6. Binghamton 15
7. New Hampshire 6
Women's Lacrosse Preseason All-Conference
A Emma Blloshmi (Binghamton)
A Emily DeGeorge (Bryant)
A Lydia Doraz (Vermont)
A Emily Knapp (UMBC)
M Tess Curtis (UMBC)
M
Audra Hansen (UMass Lowell)
M Mara O'Riley (Bryant)
D Sabine Godwin (Vermont)
D Ella Killian (UMBC)
D Delilah Mile (UAlbany)
D Kaelynn O'Brien (Bryant)
D Jessica Tosone (Bryant)
DC Paisley Cook (UAlbany)
GK
Alexa Kuhn (UMass Lowell)
