The 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament has reached its Final Four, showcasing the pinnacle of collegiate lacrosse. The semifinal matchups are set to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on May 24, 2025.
Maryland Terrapins Secure Semifinal Spot
The Maryland Terrapins advanced to the Final Four with a 9-6 victory over Georgetown in the quarterfinals. The game, held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium before a record crowd of 17,721, was fueled by a solid defensive performance and a hat trick from junior attackman Braden Erksa. Coach John Tillman’s team, now 13-3, will face No. 6 seed Syracuse in the Final Four. Notable contributions included 11 saves by goalie Logan McNaney and key goals by Erksa and Daniel Kelly in the final minutes. Freshman Jonah Carrier helped Maryland hold even on faceoffs, while standout defender Will Schaller limited Georgetown star Aidan Carroll, who was held to two goals. Maryland’s stifling defense, which has kept opponents to single-digit goals 13 times this season, proved crucial against a Georgetown team averaging 18 goals over its previous five games.
Syracuse Orange Triumph in High-Scoring Affair
The Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team has advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 2013 after a thrilling 19-18 win over the Princeton Tigers in the quarterfinal matchup on Saturday at Hofstra. In a game reminiscent of the programs’ storied histories, the contest featured 10 ties, five lead changes, 37 goals, and 93 shots. Joey Spallina and Owen Hiltz led the Orange with eight and five points respectively, combining for the game-winning goal with 3:50 remaining. The match saw wild momentum swings, including a six-goal Syracuse run in the third quarter and a five-goal Princeton run in the fourth. Goalie Jimmy McCool made two crucial late saves to preserve the win. The Orange will face the winner of Maryland vs. Georgetown in the semifinals next Saturday in Foxborough, marking Syracuse’s 28th Final Four appearance.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Aim for Repeat
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have advanced to the Final Four with a 13-6 victory over Denver. Pat Kavanagh led the team with three goals and two assists, while his brother Chris Kavanagh added three goals and an assist. The Irish have a chance to repeat as national champions, aiming to defend their title from 2024.
Denver Pioneers Look to Build on Strong Season
The Denver Pioneers, despite their loss to Notre Dame, have had a strong season and will look to build on their performance in the upcoming years. The team has shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, setting a solid foundation for future success.
Final Four Matchups
The Final Four matchups are as follows:
- Maryland Terrapins vs. Syracuse Orange
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Denver Pioneers
These games promise to deliver high-intensity lacrosse as teams vie for a spot in the national championship game. Fans can expect thrilling action as the best teams in collegiate lacrosse compete for the ultimate prizes.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament has showcased exceptional talent and determination, culminating in a Final Four that honors the rich tradition of the sport. As the semifinals approach, anticipation builds for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend of lacrosse.
