PITMAN --- TCNJ has been predicted to finish atop the New Jersey Athletic Conference women's lacrosse standings, based on preseason polling of the league's six head coaches.
The Lions garnered four first-place votes and will look to build on their strong 2025 campaign that saw them finish 13-5 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Rowan received two first-place votes and was picked second, followed by Stockton as the dark horse in third, Montclair State fourth, Kean fifth, and Ramapo sixth.
The 2026 NJAC Women's Lacrosse Championship opens on Tuesday, April 28, with the quarterfinal round. The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, April 30, with the championship game set for Saturday, May 2.
2026 NJAC WOMEN'S LACROSSE PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. TCNJ (4)
2. Rowan (2)
3. Stockton (dark horse)
4. Montclair State
5. Kean
6. Ramapo
KEAN
Kean brings back a solid core of returners led by attacker Emilie Schultz, who tallied 38 points (31 goals, 7 assists) in 2025, and midfielder Skyler Ray, who contributed 38 points (26 goals, 12 assists) while leading the team with 95 shots on goal and a .621 shooting percentage. On the defensive side, the Cougars return defender Savannah Olsson, who recorded 18 caused turnovers, 22 ground balls, and 14 turnovers forced, along with all-conference selection Drew Coyle, who led the NJAC with 2.64 caused turnovers per game and totaled 37 caused turnovers, 44 ground balls, and 27 draw controls.
Newcomers to Watch: Cayla Wurz (A; Pennridge HS (PA)), Erin Hennion (M; Kittatinny HS)
Head Coach Sarah Lawshe: "Our expectations are high as we build on a core group of committed, talented returners who set the standard every day. Our freshman class brings a spark - fearless, energetic, and eager to make an immediate impact. With this blend of experience and fire, the future of Kean lacrosse is incredibly bright."
MONTCLAIR STATE
The Red Hawks return a strong nucleus led by three-time all-conference goalkeeper Joey Grotkopf, who posted 113 saves and an 11.31 goals against average and has been a national weekly honoree during her career. Offensively, all-conference attacker Kaeley Sek returns after recording 46 points (42 goals, 4 assists) while leading the team with 90 shots on goal and a 6.00 shots per game average. All-conference midfielder Norah Monaghan provides experience and production, having tallied 39 points (32 goals, 7 assists) along with 60 draw controls, 30 ground balls, and 14 caused turnovers. On defense, all-conference selection Samantha Handzo anchors the unit after collecting 25 caused turnovers and 24 ground balls.
Newcomer to Watch: Alexa Juba (M; Jefferson HS)
Head Coach Nicol Parcelluzzi: "We are extremely excited for the 2026 season. We are returning a lot of experience in our senior and junior classes. We have players that have and will continue to make an impact. Our newcomers are learning from the veterans and are eager to work hard and continue to up their level of play."
RAMAPO
The Roadrunners return several key contributors looking to move up in the conference standings. Two-time all-conference attacker Erin Smeilus led the team with 40 points (34 goals, 6 assists) while adding 70 shots on goal and 31 draw controls. Attacker Kassidy Baez returns after posting 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) and 39 shots on goal. Midfielder Bethany Glaser provides versatility with 31 points (27 goals, 4 assists), a team-high 48 draw controls, 43 ground balls, and 20 caused turnovers. In goal, Daniella Indomenico returns after starting 12 games and recording 101 saves.
Newcomers to Watch: Meri Cassidy (A; Southern Regional HS), Trinity Toerock (D; Montclair State University)
Head Coach Nicole Barbella: "I'm excited to see how our talent and leadership come together on the field this season. The chemistry we've built off the field will be a key factor in how we compete and succeed as a team."
ROWAN
The Profs finished 16-4 last year, advancing to the third round of the NCAA Tournament, and enter 2026 ranked No. 17 in the IWLCA national preseason poll. Rowan must replace the services of four-time all-conference honoree and three-time midfielder of the year Molly Green, who led the conference with 2.53 caused turnovers per game and posted 56 points (38 goals, 18 assists), along with three-time all-conference defender and reigning NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Katie Montenero. However, the Profs return two-time all-conference and All-American attacker Elaina Corson, who led the team and ranked third in the NJAC with 97 points (80 goals, 17 assists) while also recording 25 ground balls. Attacker Trish Gillen provides additional firepower after tallying 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) last year. Defensively, Jenna O'Neill and Leah Corkhill return to anchor the back line. O’Neill started all 19 games she appeared in last season and Corkhill moves into a starting role this year.
Newcomers to Watch: Madison Rothwein (M; Rider University), Jamie Deal (M/D; Woodstown HS)
Head Coach Lindsay Delaney: "Rowan Lacrosse is ready to build off the momentum from last year and take it another step further. We have a great senior class and underclassmen who are eager and ready to perform. The combination should lead us through our challenging schedule and prepare us for an NCAA tournament bid."
STOCKTON
The Ospreys finished 11-6 last season and are positioned as this year's dark horse. Stockton returns a strong offensive core led by all-conference attacker Madison Macgillivray, who posted 57 points (44 goals, 13 assists) along with 41 draw controls. Attacker Bella Marinello returns after recording 62 points (42 goals, 20 assists). Attacker Aubrey Giordano, the 2023 NJAC Rookie of the Year, returns after taking two years away. In her last season on the field, she tallied 51 points on a team-high 43 goals along with eight assists. On defense, senior all-conference selection Gina Marotta anchors the back line after tallying 42 ground balls and 24 draw controls.
Newcomers to Watch: Brielle Soltys (M; Holy Spirit HS), Allie Prickett (M; Bridgewater-Raritan HS), Maisy Mosier (M; Eastern Regional HS), Kasey O'Neill (JR; M; La Salle University)
Head Coach Denise Roessler: "We're excited for the season ahead and aligned on the effort and focus it will take to achieve our goals. We have a strong core of experienced leaders who set the standard every day, and our talented newcomers have stepped in ready to contribute. The NJAC is a tough conference, and we're embracing the challenge while staying committed to the process."
TCNJ
The Lions are favored to repeat as conference champions after they captured their 14
th consecutive NJAC title last season and enter 2026 ranked No. 16 in the IWLCA preseason poll. TCNJ must replace the services of 2025 NJAC Attack Player of the Year Ally Tobler, who led the conference with 4.33 goals per game and 7.50 shots per game while recording 106 points (78 goals, 28 assists). However, the Lions return an impressive core led by senior attacker Marissa Lucca, an all-conference selection and All-American who posted 107 points (61 goals, 46 assists) last season, the third-highest single-season total in school history. Lucca also led the NJAC with 5.94 points per game. All-conference attacker CJ Kole returns after tallying 73 points (45 goals, 28 assists) along with 84 shots on goal and 60 draw controls. All-conference midfielder Veronica Campbell provides veteran leadership after recording 40 points (33 goals, 7 assists) and is the returning leader in draw controls with 66 last year. On defense, all-conference selection Meghan Hogan anchors the back line, while midfielder/defender Sydney Sieja adds experience. In goal, Hailey Wexler returns to provide stability between the pipes, stepping up following the graduation of all-conference goalie Julia Charest. Wexler picked up two wins in seven reserve appearances last year and sported a 5.54 goals against average.
Newcomers to Watch: Julianne Bade (A; Southington HS (CT)), Evie Campbell (M; Columbia HS), Abby Williams (D; Moorestown HS)
Head Coach Sharon Pfluger: "The 2026 TCNJ Women's Lacrosse Team comprises extremely hard working student-athletes who are team players. Our coaching staff is extremely excited about this outstanding group of young ladies and are taking one day at a time."