McLean County Times

The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) has released its Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll, revealing the expectations for the upcoming season. Illinois Wesleyan University, under new head coach Abby Kushina, is predicted to finish third in the conference. The Titans garnered 17 points in the poll.

Carroll University emerged as the favorite to win this year's title following the departure of last year's champion, the University of Chicago. Carroll received 25 points and five first-place votes. Carthage College follows with 20 points and one first-place vote.

Illinois Wesleyan's ranking comes after a successful previous season where they tied for second place in the CCIW and achieved a 9-8 overall record. This marked their first winning season since 2021. Coach Kushina, who was promoted from assistant coach last July, will rely on key players such as junior Sarah Riepe and senior Mia Fiandaca. Both have earned First Team All-CCIW honors in past seasons.

The Titans are set to begin their 2025 campaign on February 22 at Aurora University. The match will take place at Spartan Athletic Park and will be part of a doubleheader event with both men's and women's lacrosse teams participating.

The complete preseason poll rankings are as follows: Carroll University leads with 25 points, followed by Carthage College with 20 points, Illinois Wesleyan with 17 points, North Central College with 14 points, Augustana College with eight points, and Elmhurst rounding out the list with six points.