Throughout the 2026 season, the nation’s best teams consistently came away with the 50-50 balls that extended possessions, sparked transition opportunities, and swung momentum in their favor. Whether it was hustle between the lines, dominance at the faceoff X, or relentless riding, these programs made every loose ball count.

Leading the nation was Tufts, which scooped up an impressive 1,009 ground balls during its run to another outstanding season. The Jumbos were the only program in DeeThreelax to eclipse the 1,000-ground-ball mark, showcasing their relentless effort from the opening whistle to the final horn. Close behind were Salisbury (998) and RIT (942), while Cortland (931) and Washington & Lee (927) rounded out the Top 5. Every program among the nation’s leaders demonstrated that winning possessions starts with winning the loose ball battle.

Every loose ball secured creates another offensive possession or prevents one for the opponent. Throughout the 2026 season, many of the nation’s top offenses and defenses were fueled by their ability to consistently come away with contested ground balls. Programs like Grove City, Lynchburg, Hope, St. John Fisher, Christopher Newport, and York (PA) all ranked among the nation’s best, reinforcing the importance of effort and possession in today’s game.

While faceoff specialists contribute significantly to team ground ball totals, success in this category requires contributions from every position. Attackmen battling on rides, midfielders winning scrums between the lines, defenders scooping up caused turnovers, and goalkeepers controlling rebounds all play a role in creating extra possessions.

The teams atop these rankings excelled because they embraced the small plays that often determine the outcome of close games.

DeeThreeLax 2026 Team Stats – Groundballs 

• Tufts – 1,009 ground balls
• Salisbury – 998
• RIT – 942
• Cortland – 931
• Washington & Lee – 927
• Grove City – 911
• Lynchburg – 866
• Hope – 862
• St. John Fisher – 843
• Christopher Newport – 839
• Maine Maritime – 828
• Massachusetts Maritime – 825
• York (PA) – 815
• Pfeiffer – 810
• Arcadia – 805
• Catholic – 790
• Babson – 789
• Alfred – 788
• Scranton – 778
• Chatham – 773
• Bowdoin – 772
• Concordia Wisconsin – 768
• Rivier – 757
• St. Mary’s (MD) – 753
• Stevens – 751
• Illinois Wesleyan – 746
• Bates – 744
• Ohio Wesleyan – 737
• Western New England – 734
• Albion – 730
• Roanoke – 721
• Dickinson – 719
• Mount Saint Vincent – 716
• Union (NY) – 715
• Oberlin – 714