BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Lander women's lacrosse was selected to finish second in the Gulf South Conference preseason coaches poll, it was announced this afternoon.

Three Bearcats were also selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team – seniors Ella Benson and Kaia Morey and junior Kylie Fragala.

Among the Newcomers to Watch list were freshmen Morgan Hill and Elisha Lowes.

Leading the poll was defending GSC champion Flagler with 25 points and five first-place votes.

Alabama-Huntsville received a single first-place vote and 19 points. The Bearcats also received 19 points as the teams tied for second.

Lee and Montevallo tied for fourth with conference newcomer Virginia State completing the voting in sixth; the GSC press release can be read above.

Benson will look to build off her impressive junior campaign that saw her score 35 goals while adding 10 assists for LU. Her 45-point output was third-most for the team last year and earned her a spot on the Second Team All-Conference at season's end.

She had five games with three or more goals, most notably a five-goal effort against Florida Tech, and was a two-time GSC Offensive Player of the Week.

Morey earns her nod after racking up 42 caused turnovers and 46 ground balls in 2025.

The Clover, S.C., native also had 24 draw controls last season and was named to the First Team All-Conference. She was additionally named the GSC Defensive Player of the Week on one occasion.

Fragala netted 22 goals last year for the Blue and Gold which doubled her output from her freshman campaign as she appeared in all 17 games at attack.

Lander is coming off its most successful season to date, winning 13 games and achieving a national ranking for the first time in program history while advancing to the GSC Tournament Finals.

LU will get its season underway next month with a home date against Anderson on Feb. 11. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Van Taylor Stadium.