Official NWC Release

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's track & field squad is projected to place fifth at the 2026 Northwest Conference Championships according to the annual NWC Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Tuesday.
 
The Lutes accumulated 33 points in the poll to secure fifth place, owning a one-point lead over crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound.
 
George Fox University is the heavy favorite to retain the team title, securing 63 points and seven of the nine first place endorsements. Whitworth University was picked second with 58 points and the remaining two first place votes. Pacific University is third with 40 points while Willamette University rounds out the top four with 39 points.

Linfield University sits seventh with 26 points followed by Lewis & Clark College in eighth with 25 points and Whitman College in ninth with nine points. 
 
The Lutes closed out the indoor season earlier this month and begin their outdoor campaign on March 6 at Puget Sound's Ed Boitano Invitational. PLU will host two home meets this spring including the PLU Open on March 13-14 and the Brad Moore Invitational on March 20-21. The Lutes will head to Spokane on April 25-26 to compete at the 2026 NWC Championships.