BRIDGEWATER, N.J.– The Long Island University women's lacrosse team was picked first in the NEC preseason coaches' poll, the conference announced on Thursday. The Sharks were the unanimous No. 1 selection, receiving all 10 first-place votes.

In 2026, Meghan McNamara-Cafiero enters her 19th season as head coach. Last season, the Sharks went 12-7 overall with an 8-1 conference record to clinch a share of the NEC regular season title for the second straight season. With a 14-9 road victory over Stonehill College in the NEC Championship Game, the Sharks claimed the program's second consecutive NEC tournament crown and NCAA Tournament berth.

McNamara-Cafiero and assistants Meghan Els and Brianna Lamoureux, all of whom return in 2026, were named the 2025 NEC Coaching Staff of the Year, the program's second consecutive such honor.

On the field, the Sharks return five all-conference players from last season's roster: Julia Trainor (Midfielder of the Year, first team), Lindsey Lucia (second team), Selia Lyons (second team), Erin Harkins (second team), and Catherine Batterberry (all-rookie).

The Sharks open the season on Sunday, Feb. 8, versus George Mason University at Shark Stadium. Opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m.


2026 NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. LIU (unanimous)
2. Stonehill
3. Wagner
4. Mercyhurst
5. Le Moyne
6. FDU
7. New Haven
8. (tie) CCSU
    Howard
10. Delaware State