Posted in Men's Collegiate Women's Collegiate

NCAA Division 1 Tournament Teams are Set

Author Alyssa Vukosic Estimated read time 5 min read

The 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship is set to deliver an exhilarating postseason, featuring a blend of perennial powerhouses and emerging contenders. With 18 teams vying for the national title, the tournament promises intense matchups and compelling storylines.

Men’s

This year’s bracket showcases the depth and competitiveness of collegiate lacrosse. The Ivy League leads with three representatives: top-seeded Cornell (14–1), third-seeded Princeton (13–4), and at-large selection Harvard (10–4). The Big Ten follows closely, featuring Maryland (12–4), Ohio State (14–2), and Penn State (10–5). The ACC contributes four teams: Syracuse (12–5), Duke (12–5), North Carolina (10–4), and Notre Dame (8–4).

Automatic qualifiers include Richmond (Atlantic 10), Colgate (Patriot League), Georgetown (Big East), Towson (CAA), Siena (MAAC), Robert Morris (Northeast), Albany (America East), and Air Force (Atlantic Sun). These teams earned their spots by clinching their respective conference championships.

After narrowly missing the tournament in previous years, Harvard secured an at-large bid, edging out Army for the final spot. The Crimson’s strong RPI ranking and challenging schedule played pivotal roles in their selection, despite a semifinal loss to Princeton in the Ivy League Tournament.

One of the most debated exclusions is Army, which posted a commendable 12–2 record. Despite their impressive season, the Black Knights were left out of the tournament, sparking discussions about the selection criteria and the weight given to strength of schedule and conference performance.

My Top Matchups to Catch:

The first round features several intriguing pairings:

  • Cornell vs. Albany: The top-seeded Big Red face the America East champions in a classic New York showdown.
  • Maryland vs. Towson: An all-Maryland clash that brings regional pride to the forefront.
  • Princeton vs. Siena: A test for the Ivy League’s second seed against a MAAC champion eager to make a statement.
  • Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: A Big Ten vs. ACC battle that promises high-intensity action.

These matchups set the stage for potential upsets and the emergence of new lacrosse heroes.

As the tournament unfolds, fans can anticipate high-intensity games, strategic battles, and standout performances from the nation’s top collegiate lacrosse talent. The blend of established programs and ambitious newcomers ensures a dynamic and unpredictable path to the championship.

Women’s

Defending champions Boston College enter the tournament with momentum, returning key players like Rachel Clark, Mckenna Davis, and Emma LoPinto. Their experience and cohesion make them formidable opponents. Northwestern, last year’s runner-up, remains a top contender despite the graduation of stars like Izzy Scane. With Madison Taylor leading the charge, the Wildcats aim to capitalize on their depth and experience. Michigan has emerged as a dark horse, boasting a veteran-heavy lineup that returns 79% of its goal scoring from last season. Led by standout goalie Erin O’Grady, the Wolverines’ top-ranked defense could propel them deep into the tournament. Yale is another team to watch, bringing back nearly its entire roster after securing its first-ever outright Ivy League title. With preseason All-American attacker Jenna Collignon and a strong supporting cast, the Bulldogs are poised for a deep run.

The tournament field also brings some surprises, with notable programs missing the cut. Navy, despite a strong season and a roster featuring Emily Messinese and the return of Ava Yovino from injury, was left out of the tournament. Their exclusion underscores the competitiveness of the selection process. The 2025 tournament also features programs making their debut or returning after long absences, highlighting the sport’s growth. South Florida Bulls are set to make their inaugural appearance in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse. As the university’s newest varsity sports team, the Bulls’ entry marks a significant milestone for the program. Eastern Michigan has shown remarkable progress, aiming to secure their first winning season ever. With standout players like Mackenzie Blackwell and goalie Maddie Porter, the Eagles are a team on the rise.

My Top Matchups to Catch:

The first round features several intriguing matchups:

  • Boston College vs. Michigan: The defending champions face off against an up-and-coming Michigan team with a top-ranked defense, making this a high-stakes showdown.
  • Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse: A rising Virginia Tech squad faces off against Syracuse, known for its high-powered attack, in a matchup that will test Virginia Tech’s defensive capabilities.
  • James Madison vs. Duke: A battle of experienced tournament contenders with James Madison’s tough defense against Duke’s dynamic offensive attack.
  • Army vs. Florida: A defensive-minded Army squad will look to contain Florida’s explosive offense in this intriguing first-round matchup.

With the semifinals and finals for both men’s and women’s slated for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the stage is set for memorable moments and the crowning of a new national champion in an exciting venue, bigger than we’ve ever seen before for the game of lacrosse. I personally, am extremely excited to see that the game is growing so much so that the NCAA can host not only the men’s tournament but also the women’s tournament in a venue of this caliber.

Related