FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's golf team has been picked to finish fifth in the 2026 Mountain East Conference preseason poll, with the Hilltoppers receiving one first-place vote, as the league announced Tuesday.

West Liberty collected 68 points in the preseason voting to land fifth in an 11-team conference field.

The University of Charleston was selected as the preseason favorite with 97 points and seven first-place votes. The Golden Eagles, the reigning MEC champion, advanced to the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship as a team and finished 20th nationally.

Glenville State was picked second with 83 points and one first-place vote, while Wheeling was third with 78 points and two first-place votes. Fairmont State finished fourth with 73 points, four points ahead of the Hilltoppers.

Davis & Elkins was sixth with 57 points, followed by West Virginia Wesleyan with 41, Concord with 37, Point Park and Shawnee State tied for ninth with 27 points each, and West Virginia State with 19.

The Hilltoppers will open the 2026-27 season on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the California (Pa.) Vulcan Invitational at Cedarbrook Golf Course in California, Pa. The two-day tournament will continue through Friday, Sept. 4.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.