UNC Holds Strong at No. 1, Major Shifts in Top 10

By IWLCA Admin, 02/16/2026, 10:02AM ET

Photo by Ryan Hunt, courtesy of UNC Athletics.

UNC Holds Strong at No. 1, Major Shifts in Top 10

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass.— North Carolina continues to set the pace in Division I, using a late surge to power past Syracuse on Friday afternoon and secure a hard-fought victory to remain atop the latest poll.

Stanford climbs to No. 2 after edging No. 9 Clemson in a thrilling one-goal battle. Maryland checks in at No. 3 following a commanding 17–9 win over Virginia.

Northwestern slides to No. 4 after a tough loss to Colorado Boulder on Monday. With Colorado’s win, the Buffaloes join the Top 25 rankings, landing at No. 18.

The biggest move of the week belongs to Notre Dame, which vaults 11 spots to No. 5 after an impressive 12–9 win over then-No. 3 Boston College. The Eagles shift to No. 6 in this week’s rankings.

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 North Carolina 1
2 Stanford  4
3 Maryland 6
4 Northwestern  2
5 Notre Dame 16
6 Boston College 3
7 Johns Hopkins  8
8 Clemson  9
9 Princeton  7
10 Florida 5
11 Navy 10
12 Michigan 17
13 Syracuse  13
14 UPenn 11
15 Yale  15
16 Stony Brook  18
17 Denver 22
18 Colorado NR
19 Loyola  Maryland 19
20 Duke  14
21 Army 20
22 James Madison  21
23 Penn State 23
24 Virginia 12
25 Pittsburgh NR