Panthers Hold Strong at No. 1
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass.— Middlebury holds the No. 1 spot in this week’s IWLCA Division III Coaches Poll after fending off a late surge from Bates to secure an 11–8 victory on Saturday. The 7–0 Panthers continue their road stretch this week with a trip to Chicago to face No. 20 University of Chicago, followed by a key NESCAC matchup against No. 3 Tufts on March 28 in Medford.
Wesleyan remains at No. 2, improving its unbeaten record with wins over Endicott and Bowdoin. The Cardinals will look to keep that momentum going when they host Hamilton on Saturday.
Tufts holds steady at No. 3 after an impressive 3–0 week, highlighted by wins over No. 7 Gettysburg, No. 21 Trinity (CT), and No. 22 Colorado College.
Salisbury and Amherst round out the Top 5, respectively. The Sea Gulls improved to 9–0 with wins over No. 8 William Smith and No. 12 Franklin & Marshall, while the Mammoths remain unbeaten at 6–0 after victories over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer.
In total, 25 teams are represented in the poll, with voters—college coaches from across the nation—reflecting the latest results across women’s lacrosse. The rankings are based on weekly performances, with the poll set to be released each Monday throughout the season.