HOLLAND, Mich. -- Hope College women’s lacrosse continued its reign atop the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), capturing the 2026 MIAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament Presented by Collegiate Credit Union championship for the fourth-consecutive season.

The Flying Dutch, who entered the postseason as the top seed after a 6-1 conference record and first-round bye, converted regular-season success into another postseason trophy with decisive wins over Kalamazoo College and Calvin University. Hope’s fourth-straight tournament title secures the MIAA’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament.

Hope opened tournament play with an 18-13 semifinal victory over Kalamazoo, powered by a standout offensive performance. Senior attacker Julia Brown led the Flying Dutch with five goals and two assists, while sophomore attacker Sarah Rott added three goals and two assists. Senior midfielder Caleigh Randall controlled possession throughout the game, posting a game-best 12 draw controls.

Senior goalkeeper Samantha Smith added five saves, while sophomore Ireland Brown, senior Stella Bottum, and sophomore Kayla Reis each contributed four ground balls. Reis, senior Sydney Laprairie, and freshman Maggie Rennick all recorded two caused turnovers to help Hope maintain defensive control.

In the championship game, Hope delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, defeating rival Calvin 16-8 to secure the title.

Smith once again anchored the defense with eight saves, while the offense showcased its depth and firepower. Bottum, Randall, and Julia Brown each scored four goals, while Rott orchestrated the attack with a game-high three assists.

Randall dominated the draw circle once more with 10 draw controls, while Ireland Brown and Bottum each collected four ground balls. Bottum and senior Caroline Curnutt paced the defense with two caused turnovers apiece.

Across both tournament victories, Hope’s balanced offensive production, possession dominance, and defensive discipline proved too much for opponents to overcome.

Now 14-3 overall, Hope advances to the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament as the MIAA’s automatic qualifier. The NCAA selection show is set for May 4, with first and second-round action beginning May 9-11.

With four-consecutive tournament titles, sustained excellence, and momentum on its side, Hope women’s lacrosse heads into NCAA competition as a proven champion ready for its next challenge.