Whether it was a dominant faceoff specialist, a strong wing unit, or a combination of both, the nation’s top faceoff teams controlled possession from the opening whistle. Winning draws not only limited opponents’ opportunities but also allowed these programs to dictate the pace of games and fuel some of DeeThreeLax most successful seasons. 

Leading the nation was Salisbury, which won an impressive 72.8% of its faceoffs during the 2026 campaign. The Sea Gulls captured 422 of 580 draws, setting the national standard for consistency at the X. Close behind were Alfred (72.4%), St. John Fisher (71.4%), Oberlin (71.2%), and Centenary (LA) (70.7%), giving DeeThreelax five programs that won at least 70 percent of their faceoffs.

Many of the nation’s top teams built their success with multiple guys winning at the X. More faceoff wins meant more offensive opportunities, longer stretches with the ball, and fewer chances for opposing offenses to find a rhythm. Programs like Salisbury, St. John Fisher, Cortland, Washington & Lee, Lynchburg, and Babson paired elite faceoff play with outstanding offensive production, proving that dominating the X remains one of the biggest advantages in college lacrosse.

Whether opening a game with consecutive possessions or answering an opponent’s goal with an immediate faceoff win, these teams consistently dictated tempo throughout the season. Strong wing play, clean exits, and disciplined ground-ball work all played a role in helping these programs climb the national rankings. When every possession mattered, these teams made sure they started with the ball.

DeeThreeLax 2026 Team Stats – Faceoff Wins

• Salisbury – 72.8% (422-158)
• Alfred – 72.4% (347-132)
• St. John Fisher – 71.4% (375-150)
• Oberlin – 71.2% (312-126)
• Centenary (LA) – 70.7% (319-132)
• SUNY Potsdam – 70.3% (249-105)
• Catholic – 69.5% (347-152)
• Marymount (VA) – 69.0% (258-116)
• Elmira – 68.8% (130-59)
• Capital – 68.7% (276-126)
• Rivier – 68.3% (300-139)
• Maine Maritime – 67.7% (308-147)
• MSOE – 67.1% (290-142)
• Cortland – 66.9% (432-214)
• New England College – 66.9% (224-111)
• Elmhurst – 66.9% (343-170)
• Baldwin Wallace – 66.4% (366-185)
• Ohio Wesleyan – 65.6% (330-173)
• Lynchburg – 65.4% (449-238)
• Marywood – 65.0% (212-114)
• Ithaca – 65.0% (256-138)
• Washington & Lee – 64.6% (421-231)
• Transylvania – 64.6% (286-157)
• Mount Saint Vincent – 64.2% (287-160)
• Chatham – 63.6% (306-175)
• Kenyon – 63.1% (258-151)
• Massachusetts Maritime – 62.9% (363-214)
• Arcadia – 62.5% (317-190)
• Bowdoin – 62.5% (378-227)
• Lasell – 62.3% (284-172)
• Randolph-Macon – 62.1% (297-181)
• Calvin – 62.0% (269-165)
• Babson – 61.9% (362-223)
• Western New England – 61.7% (301-187)
• Stevens – 61.5% (323-202)