INDIANAPOLIS – The Maryville University men's lacrosse team has been predicted to finish in first-place in the 2026 preseason coaches' poll for the Great Lakes Valley Conference title, the league office announced. The Saints received five first-place votes and a total of 25 points. Lewis, which received the other first-place vote, and Rockhurst tied for second with 19 poll points.
 
A year ago, the Saints posted a school-record 14 wins and won the 2025 GLVC Tournament title. Maryville earned its second straight NCAA Tournament bid and advanced all the way to the national semifinals before falling to No. 1 Tampa.
 
Back for United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division II National Coach of the Year Scott Stark is GLVC Defensive Player of the Year John Chorlton as well as USILA All-Americans Ben Mickett, Shea Raeburn and Justin Simonson.
 
The Saints begin the 2026 season at home against Davenport Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Maryville Athletic Complex in an 11 a.m. contest. The GLVC opener is Monday, March 23, when William Jewell comes to town.
 
The preseason poll is selected by the league's head coaches who, per GLVC bylaws, cannot vote for their own team. The complete poll and voting results can be found below.
 
2026 GLVC MEN'S LACROSSE PRESEASON POLL
Place               School                       Points (1st-Place Votes)
1.                     Maryville                     25 (5)
2.                     Lewis                          19 (1)
2.                     Rockhurst                   19
4.                     Indianapolis                13
5.                     Quincy                         9
6.                     William Jewell              5