Clearing the ball may not make the highlight reel, but it can be the difference between winning and losing. Every successful clear keeps an offense on the field and prevents opponents from earning extra possessions. Throughout the 2026 season, these programs consistently handled pressure, broke rides, and transitioned the ball from defense to offense with remarkable efficiency.

Topping the national leaderboard were Bowdoin and St. John Fisher, who each finished the season with an outstanding 91.5% clearing percentage. Whether facing aggressive rides or late-game pressure, both teams excelled at getting the ball safely across midfield and into their offensive sets. Just behind the leaders were Washington & Lee (91.0%) and Salisbury (91.0%), followed by Christopher Newport (90.4%) and Tufts (90.1%). Together, these programs proved that championship-caliber teams rarely give away possessions.

A successful offense starts with a successful clear. Many of the teams atop these rankings also ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring offense, total assists, and total points. By consistently clearing the ball, they gave their playmakers more opportunities to attack and limited opponents’ transition chances. Programs like Washington & Lee, Tufts, Salisbury, York (PA), RIT, Babson, and Christopher Newport all showcased how clean clearing can fuel explosive offensive production.

The nation’s best clearing teams relied on goalkeepers who made smart outlet passes, defenders who stayed poised under pressure, and midfielders who consistently provided reliable options. Those fundamentals helped turn defensive stops into offensive opportunities throughout the season. When games tightened in the fourth quarter, these were the programs coaches trusted to value every possession.

DeeThreeLax 2026 Team Stats– Clearing Percentage 

• Bowdoin – 91.5% (376-for-411)
• St. John Fisher – 91.5% (397-for-434)
• Washington & Lee – 91.0% (486-for-534)
• Salisbury – 91.0% (453-for-498)
• Christopher Newport – 90.4% (515-for-570)
• Tufts – 90.1% (528-for-586)
• Dickinson – 90.0% (371-for-412)
• York (PA) – 89.9% (447-for-497)
• RIT – 89.8% (526-for-586)
• Babson – 89.6% (475-for-530)
• Clarkson – 89.4% (288-for-322)
• Stevens – 89.2% (357-for-400)
• Washington College – 89.2% (379-for-425)
• Nazareth – 89.1% (418-for-469)
• Randolph-Macon – 89.0% (372-for-418)
• Denison – 88.6% (294-for-332)
• Ithaca – 88.4% (298-for-337)
• Colby – 88.4% (267-for-302)
• Union (NY) – 88.3% (401-for-454)
• St. Lawrence – 88.3% (385-for-436)
• Rivier – 87.9% (384-for-437)
• Grove City – 87.8% (504-for-574)
• Skidmore – 87.7% (308-for-351)
• Baldwin Wallace – 87.6% (298-for-340)
• Hamilton – 87.5% (316-for-361)
• Catholic – 87.4% (404-for-462)
• St. Mary’s (MD) – 87.4% (404-for-462)
• Scranton – 87.4% (395-for-452)
• Colorado College – 87.4% (284-for-325)
• Hope – 87.3% (393-for-450)
• MSOE – 87.3% (377-for-432)
• Berry – 87.3% (233-for-267)
• Transylvania – 87.2% (349-for-400)
• Wesleyan (CT) – 87.2% (390-for-447)
• Arcadia – 87.2% (424-for-486)
• Centre – 87.2% (211-for-242)