EDISON, N.J. – Niagara women's lacrosse were picked to finish fifth in the 2026 MAAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll while reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, Sydney Huhtala and reigning All-MAAC First Team member Maddy Gill were selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team the conference announced Friday morning.

The Purple Eagles earned a total of 98 points with Fairfield placing first with 143 points and 11 first place votes. 

Huhtala, the 2025 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-MAAC, and IWLCA All-Region selection was picked to once again land on the All-MAAC team. As a junior, Huhtala recorded 71 ground balls and 61 caused turnovers breaking the program's career record.

Gill earned her first Preseason All-MAAC nod after leading the Purple and White with 57 goals and 62 points. The Corning, NY native also had 17 caused turnovers and 18 ground balls.

Niagara opens the season on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. on the road against USF.

MAAC play will begin in Hamden, Conn., against Quinnipiac on March 21.

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