HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College women's lacrosse team has been ranked No. 18 in the 2026 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division III Preseason Poll, marking another national recognition for a program that continues to rise. The Scarlet and Black enter the season looking to build on a record-setting 2025 campaign that included 15 wins, a program-first NCAA Tournament victory, and a final No. 17 national ranking.
Under the guidance of ninth-year head coach Katie Wertman, Haverford returns key contributors, including All-American Brooke Epstein and All-Region honoree Finley Jordan, as the Fords aim for a seventh consecutive Centennial Conference Tournament appearance and a third straight NCAA Tournament berth. Haverford capped last season with a narrow 9–8 loss to No. 7 Salisbury in the NCAA second round, signaling the team's competitiveness on the national stage.
The Fords will compete in 17 games during the 2026 campaign, including seven home contests at Swan Field. Haverford opens the season at home against Widener on February 25 before a three-game road stretch to Scranton, Marywood, and Lebanon Valley. Non-conference play continues in Virginia against Christopher Newport and Mary Washington, followed by Centennial Conference matchups beginning March 21 against Ursinus. The regular season concludes April 25 at rival Swarthmore, with the Centennial Conference Championship Tournament scheduled for April 28–May 3.
Off the field, Haverford earned the 2025 IWLCA Division III Merit Squad honor, posting a 3.88 cumulative GPA—the highest among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA—highlighting the Fords' commitment to excellence in the classroom. All home games will be streamed live on the Centennial Conference Digital Network, and fans can follow updates at HaverfordAthletics.com and on social media @HCFords_Sports.
