2026 Holy Cross women's lacrosse season preview

The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse squad has the pieces in place to once again field a strong team in 2026.

In each of the last two years, the Crusaders have posted double-digit victories while finishing fourth in the Patriot League standings and reaching the conference tournament semifinals.

With the return of five starters and 22 letterwinners, along with the addition of nine talented newcomers, Holy Cross will look to once again contend among the top teams in the league.

CAPTAINS SET TO LEAD THE WAY 
Holy Cross will have two captains leading the squad, in senior Racheli Levy-Smith and junior Annabel Brennan.

Levy-Smith earned first team All-Patriot League honors a year ago, after recording a school single-season record 171 draw controls, 37 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers.

Brennan totaled 28 points on 25 goals and three assists in 2025, to go along with 24 draw controls and 13 ground balls.

OFFENSIVE FIRE POWER
Holy Cross scored 239 goals in 2025, the second-highest single-season total in program history. 

The group will be led by Brennan and junior Kate Avitabile, who totaled 41 points on 15 goals and 26 assists last season.

Other top returning players on the offensive end include senior Tory Rider (14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points) and senior Kate Burns (18 points on 14 goals and four assists).

HOLDING THE OPPONENTS IN CHECK 
The Crusader defense looks to continue its strong play after allowing just 12.39 goals per game in 2025.

Along with Levy-Smith, senior Lily Glance returns to the starting lineup after recording 17 ground balls and seven caused turnovers a year ago.

In addition, senior Mackenzie Creagh is back after going 10-6 with 141 saves and an 11.57 goals against average last season.

A LOOK AT THE COMPETITION 
The Crusaders are set to play 16 regular season games this spring, including seven non-conference opponents, all nine Patriot League foes and seven home contests at Kuzniewski Field. 

Holy Cross will open the season at UMass (Feb. 6), followed by the home opener against Albany (Feb. 10). 

Patriot League play begins on March 7 at Lafayette, while the regular season concludes on April 23 against Boston University.

Be the Power of Purple and celebrate Holy Cross' 11th Giving Day on February 6 & 7 — because when you make a gift, you make an impact!

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross women's lacrosse team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
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