Navy, Notre Dame Early Risers in USA Lacrosse Division I Women's Top 20

It wouldn't be the first rankings update of a new season if there wasn't an early season upset to set the tone.

We can thank Notre Dame for emphatically announcing its presence in 2026, first by upsetting Michigan then by thumping Central Michigan 25-0. A young team last spring that at times struggled to find its footing, the Irish look to be a much-improved group through opening weekend.

And with an offensive pairing of Madison Rassas and Kate Timarky, Notre Dame could continue ascending.

Navy is worth a mention this week, too, as the Mids climb to No. 10 after upsetting Virginia. The Mids aren't a sleeper pick in 2026 — not as the preseason No. 1 in the Patriot League — but that was quite the statement victory to kick off the season.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION I
WOMEN'S TOP 20

1. North Carolina
2. Northwestern
3. Boston College
4. Florida
5. Princeton
6. Stanford
7. Maryland
8. Clemson
9. Johns Hopkins
10. Navy
11. Penn
12. Virginia
13. Syracuse
14. Duke
15. Notre Dame
16. Yale
17. Stony Brook
18. Loyola
19. Michigan
20. Penn State

Also considered (alphabetical order): Army, Denver, Harvard, James Madison

Significant shakeups to the Division II Top 20 did not occur after the first weekend of widespread action, but Flagler is a notable mover into the top 10 from No. 12.

The 2-0 Saints handily dispatched Saint Leo, which drops to No. 14, by a score of 18-11.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION II
WOMEN'S TOP 20

1. Tampa
2. Adelphi
3. Florida Southern
4. West Chester
5. Slippery Rock
6. Embry-Riddle
7. Maryville
8. Pace
9. UIndy
10. Flagler
11. Lynn
12. East Stroudsburg
13. Regis
14. Saint Leo
15. Wingate
16. Grand Valley State
17. Lander
18. Seton Hill
19. Dominican (N.Y.)
20. Saint Anselm

Also considered (alphabetical order): Bentley, Colorado Mesa, Kutztown, Rockhurst