The Hope College women’s lacrosse team leads the group of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title contenders this spring.

The Flying Dutch topped the 2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll with 47 points and two first-place votes.

Hope finished ahead of second-place Calvin University (42 points) and third-place Albion College (40 points). Calvin and Albion claimed three first-place votes apiece. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Led by second-year head coach Keagan Pontious, the Flying Dutch return two 2019 second team All-MIAA honorees who are seniors: attacker Carly Pieri (Alto, Michigan/Caledonia HS) and midfielder Paige Wilmer (Columbus, Ohio/Arlington).

Hope posted a 2-1 overall record in 2020 before the remainder of the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Flying Dutch are scheduled to open the season on Saturday, February 20 at 1 p.m. against Calvin at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

The final seven games on this season's MIAA schedule will determine the regular-season champions.

The 2021 MIAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament will begin on Saturday, April 24, with first-round play; semifinals will be held on Wednesday, April 28, followed by the final on Saturday, May 1. The winner will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship.