Panthers Stay Perfect, Hold Top Spot in Division III Poll

IWLCA Admin, 3/9/2026, 10:30AM ET

Photo by Annica Nassiry, courtesy of Middlebury Athletics.

Panthers Stay Perfect, Hold Top Spot in Division III Poll

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass.— Middlebury College remains atop the Division III rankings, opening the season with a perfect 4–0 record. The Panthers now turn their attention to a NESCAC showdown against No. 24 Trinity (CT) this Saturday.

Wesleyan climbs to No. 2 in this week’s poll following a convincing 10–7 victory over No. 9 Franklin & Marshall.

Tufts moves to No. 3, while Salisbury and York (PA) each rise one spot to round out the Top 5.

Notably, Amherst jumps to No. 8 after knocking off Tufts 14-13 in an overtime thriller this past Saturday.

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.

Rank Institution Last Poll
1 Middlebury 1
2 Wesleyan 4
3 Tufts 2
4 Salisbury 5
5 York (PA) 6
6 Gettysburg 7
7 Colby 8
8 Amherst 13
9 William Smith 10
10 Franklin & Marshall 9
11 Denison 8
12 Washington and Lee 11
13 Pomona-Pitzer 12
14 TCNJ 15
15 Scranton 17
16 Stevens 14
17 Messiah 19
18 Chicago 22
19 Babson 18
20 St. John Fisher 16
21 Colorado College 24
22 Rowan 23
23 Haverford 20
24 Trinity (CT) 21
25 Williams College NR