HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's swimming team is predicted to finish fifth at the 2026 Northwest Conference Championships according to the NWC's annual preseason coaches' poll released on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lutes gathered 35 points in the preseason rankings, check in at No. 5. PLU sits eight points shy of fourth ranked Linfield University and stands three points ahead of sixth ranked Willamette University.

Whitworth University was the overwhelming favorite, securing seven of the nine first place votes and 63 total points. In-state rival Whitman College was picked second with 57 points and the two remaining first place endorsements. University of Puget Sound is third with 48 points with Linfield the top Oregon team, checking in at No. 4. 
 
George Fox University (23 points), Lewis & Clark College (15 points), and Pacific University (eight points) round out the preseason poll, sitting seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.

The Lutes placed sixth at the 2025 NWC Championships, scoring 281 points and finishing 52 points ahead of seventh place George Fox.

Pacific Lutheran begins the NWC dual slate on Saturday, swimming against George Fox in Newberg, Ore.