FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Piedmont University women's lacrosse team was picked to finish second, as the USA South Preseason Coaches Poll was released Wednesday afternoon.
The Lions came in second in the listing with 72 points behind Meredith, which claimed the top spot with 81 points and nine out of the ten first-place votes, while Piedmont received the other first-place vote. In 2025, Piedmont finished second in the standings with an 8-1 conference record, with the one loss coming against the Avenging Angels of Meredith.
Behind the Lions in the preseason poll is Methodist, which defeated the Lions in the USA South Tournament Semifinals last season. Methodist would fall in the final against Meredith.
Piedmont will return several contributors from their 2025 team, including
Savannah Limehouse, who finished the season with 62 points and 51 goals, which was second on the team. Also returning is the strong midfielder
Clara Welch, who facilitated many attacks while maintaining strong ground ball collection.
Piedmont is set to open the season at home on Wednesday, February 11, against Oglethorpe.
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2026 USA South Coaches Preseason Women's Lacrosse Poll
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Rank
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Institution (1st Place Votes)
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Points
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1.
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Meredith* (9)
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81
|
|
2.
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Piedmont (1)
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72
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3.
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Methodist
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63
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4.
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Southern Virginia
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57
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5.
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Brevard
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44
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6.
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Huntingdon
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38
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7.
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Pfeiffer
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37
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8.
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Greensboro
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30
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9.
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William Peace
|
19
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10.
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N.C. Wesleyan
|
9
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*Defending Regular Season & Tournament Champions
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