FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Perfection defined Hope College men’s lacrosse throughout Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play, and now, it has delivered another championship.
The Flying Dutchmen completed an unbeaten 6-0 conference season to capture the 2026 MIAA regular-season title, extending their dominance with a third-consecutive crown and the sixth in program history. Hope enters the postseason with a flawless 16-0 overall record, positioning itself as the team to beat heading into tournament play.
Hope’s run to the title was powered by one of the most complete performances in the league this season. The Flying Dutchmen led the MIAA in goals scored (115) while allowing just 34, producing a staggering +13.5 scoring margin. Their efficiency showed in a .361 shooting percentage, while their defense — anchored by a .580 save percentage and 102 caused turnovers — consistently shut down opposing attacks.
On the offensive end, Hope featured dynamic playmakers who dictated the pace of every matchup. Junior attacker Gibson Heethuis led the conference with 21 assists (3.50 per game) and 39 points (6.50 per game), while also finishing third in goals with 18. Close behind was sophomore attacker Preston Hoexum, who led the team with 19 goals and ranked third in the MIAA with 30 points (5.00 per game).
Defensively, the Flying Dutchmen were just as formidable. Senior goalkeeper Jack Balmforth, who played in all six conference contests, led the league with a 5.98 goals-against average, serving as the backbone of a unit that rarely allowed opponents to find rhythm.
With the regular-season championship secured, Hope now turns its attention to the 2026 MIAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament Presented by Collegiate Credit Union. The top-seeded Flying Dutchmen receive a first-round bye and will host a semifinal matchup on Tuesday, April 28.
The tournament begins with first-round games on Saturday, April 25, followed by the April 28 semifinals and the championship on Friday, May 1. The tournament winner will earn the MIAA’s automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament, set to begin May 6.