Women’s Lacrosse Finishes No. 16 in Final IWLCA Coaches Poll

[Tango Two]

Women’s Lacrosse Finishes No. 16 in Final IWLCA Coaches Poll - Rutgers University Athletics

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women's lacrosse wrapped up its 2026 season ranked No. 16 in the final IWLCA Coaches Poll. It marks the highest appearance in the ...

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[Degaz-RU]

Also finished 20th in the IL poll.

 

[richthedentist]

Also finished 20th in the IL poll.

Congratulations ladies with the extra portal money hopefully we can snag two maybe even three top portal transfers a couple good freshman and end up in the top 10 next year

 

[Degaz-RU]

Congratulations ladies with the extra portal money hopefully we can snag two maybe even three top portal transfers a couple good freshman and end up in the top 10 next year

We only lose two major contributors from this year’s team — A Lily Dixon and D/FO Katie Buck. Mind you, those are two huge pieces, as Dixon was one of the top distributors in the country, and Buck was one of the top draw control players in the country (in addition to being a key defender).

I think we need to focus our resources on retaining the bevy of goal scorers we have — Ling, Theofield, Elsner, Sutley — and target a big time GK in the portal. We had goalie issues all year, and it probably cost us at least a win or two. Stella Quilty was solid in the NCAA Tournament, but she was up and down all year, and we need a top notch GK to take the next step as a program.

 

[Caliknight]

I dont know a ton about women’s lacrosse but those two specific pieces in men’s lacrosse are massive. Watching the women play, those were the two most impactful players we had. Everyone sees goals scored but in women’s assists seem much more valuable. It’s hard to just go one v one in that game and the rules they have. Even so, there was a lot of young talent on the team. I’m interested in seeing the recruiting class that was signed. We aren’t losing anything in the portal from what I see.

 

[Degaz-RU]

I dont know a ton about women’s lacrosse but those two specific pieces in men’s lacrosse are massive. Watching the women play, those were the two most impactful players we had. Everyone sees goals scored but in women’s assists seem much more valuable. It’s hard to just go one v one in that game and the rules they have. Even so, there was a lot of young talent on the team. I’m interested in seeing the recruiting class that was signed. We aren’t losing anything in the portal from what I see.

I think you're right that Dixon and Buck were two of our top players, but I'd put Ling in there as a top 3, as she ended up top 5 in goals and points nationally. I think Sutley could be a decent replacement for Dixon, as she apprenticed with Dixon for the last 2 years and has many of the same qualities (but is also aggressive to the cage). Hopefully, Coach Lehman has somebody in mind on the current roster to replace Buck as the primary draw control player; if not, that should be another priority in the portal.

Also keep in mind that Olivia Pikiell will be playing next year after sitting out this year with injury. She originally went to UNC, so she must be very talented even though she didn't get a ton of run with the Heels.

 

[knightfan2000]

Are we sure Katie Buck is leaving? She missed an entire year due to injury.

 

[RUdad]

We only lose two major contributors from this year’s team — A Lily Dixon and D/FO Katie Buck. Mind you, those are two huge pieces, as Dixon was one of the top distributors in the country, and Buck was one of the top draw control players in the country (in addition to being a key defender).

I think we need to focus our resources on retaining the bevy of goal scorers we have — Ling, Theofield, Elsner, Sutley — and target a big time GK in the portal. We had goalie issues all year, and it probably cost us at least a win or two. Stella Quilty was solid in the NCAA Tournament, but she was up and down all year, and we need a top notch GK to take the next step as a program.

Yes

 

[Degaz-RU]

Also finished 20th in the IL poll.

Correction - RU also finished 16th in the final IL media poll. I was looking at the previous poll when I said 20th.

 

[Degaz-RU]

Are we sure Katie Buck is leaving? She missed an entire year due to injury.

Actually, you might be on to something there. I saw her listed as a Senior and just assumed she was out of eligibility, but you’re right that she’s only been here for 4 years and missed her sophomore year with an injury. So she DOES have one more year of eligibility.

If she stays, it would be HUGE for both draws and defense.

 

[dconifer0]

Good job, ladies...

 

[RUdad]

Actually, you might be on to something there. I saw her listed as a Senior and just assumed she was out of eligibility, but you’re right that she’s only been here for 4 years and missed her sophomore year with an injury. So she DOES have one more year of eligibility.

If she stays, it would be HUGE for both draws and defense.

It would be Huge for draw controls for sure.