FOREST, Va. (BC Athletics) – The Bridgewater College women’s lacrosse team will start their 2026 campaign slotted at sixth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference preseason poll, announced Tuesday afternoon.

The Eagles finished their 2025 season with a 10-9 record with an even 5-5 mark in ODAC play. BC made it past the opening round of the conference tournament with an 11-4 win over Virginia Wesleyan at home. The Eagles fell to Roanoke in the ODAC quarterfinals.

Bridgewater brings back junior midfielder Paige Mayers. The Glen Allen, Va., native was recently named to the USA Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason all-American second team, becoming the first player to receive an all-American nod of any sort since 1998. Mayers was an all-ODAC first team member last season and led the conference in goals. Mayers will serve as one of two team captains this season.

BC also returns Paige Overeem and Olivia Lawrence. As a first year, Overeem ranked third on the team in points, goals, caused turnovers, and ground balls. Lawrence was one of five players who started in all 19 contests last season. Lawrence will also serve as a team captain this season.

The Eagles are set to open their season on the road against Hood College on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m.

— BC Athletics —