RALEIGH, NC - William Peace University women's lacrosse has been selected ninth in the 2026 USA South Athletic Conference preseason poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches.

Pacers head coach Rebecca Fraser officially begins her first season as head coach after serving as the program's interim leader in 2025. Fraser guided Peace to a 2-9 overall record (2-8 USA South) last season and helped the Pacers earn a spot in the USA South Conference Tournament, marking just the program's second postseason appearance since 2019 and tying its best-ever conference finish with a first-round berth.

Despite graduating key contributors, including leading scorer Mary Langer and starting goalkeeper Aryal Brandon, Peace returns eight players and welcomes 10 newcomers to the roster. Offensively, the Pacers averaged 3.36 goals per game while totaling 138 ground balls and 70 draw controls across 11 contests last season.

The new squad will look to turn to Elise Langer, who started all 11 games last season at midfield, finishing second on the team with seven goals and five assists while adding 16 ground balls. 

Defensively, the unit recorded 65 caused turnovers, while incoming junior transfer goalkeeper Kylie McWhorter (Averett) is expected to step into a pivotal role as the Pacers look to build momentum in Fraser's first full season at the helm.

They kick off their season as they host Oglethorpe University on March 1st at WakeMed park.

2026 USA South Coaches Preseason Women's Lacrosse Poll