The 2025 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament kicks off this weekend, with matches beginning on campus sites on Friday. This year’s tournament features 29 teams, which includes 15 automatic bids along with 14 at-large selections.
Boston College, the defending champion, is looking to make history by becoming the first team in a decade to win back-to-back national titles. However, the undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels pose a significant challenge, having bested BC twice this season.
The tournament field is filled with skilled players, intriguing storylines, and several teams eager for a chance to reach the Final Four. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s tournament.
How does the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament Format work?
Out of the 29 teams, the top three seeds will enjoy a first-round bye. This year, those seeds are North Carolina, Boston College, and Northwestern.
The top eight seeds will have hosting privileges during the opening tournament weekend. The other top seeds include Florida at fourth, Virginia at fifth, Maryland at sixth, Yale at seventh, and Johns Hopkins at eighth. Interestingly, Johns Hopkins competes in Division I lacrosse, even though it plays many sports in Division III.
First-round games take place on Friday, with winners from these games moving on to face off in the second round on Sunday. The eight teams remaining at the quarterfinals, which are scheduled for May 15th, will see the higher seed host. The winners will advance to the Final Four at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The national semifinals are set for May 23rd, and the championship game will occur on May 25th.
How to watch the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
The first and second rounds will be available on ESPN+. Following that, the quarterfinals and semifinals will be shown on ESPNU, with the championship game airing on ESPN at noon on May 25th.
Who is the favorite at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament?
North Carolina remains unbeaten at 18-0 and has chalked up 11 wins against ranked opponents, including two against Boston College and one against Northwestern. Under the guidance of experienced head coach Jenny Levy, the Tar Heels are averaging 17.5 goals per game while allowing just 6.67 goals.
Leading the offense are sisters Chloe and Ashley Humphrey, both finalists for the Tewaarton Award. Chloe, who had an impressive season with 73 goals, was named MVP of the ACC Tournament, while Ashley follows closely with 70 points, including 28 goals and 42 assists. Intriguingly, Chloe is the first freshman to be nominated as a Tewaarton finalist, while Ashley holds the NCAA record for career assists.
On defense, sophomore goalkeeper Bettin Nelson boasts a solid save percentage of 50.5.
North Carolina is set to play the winner of the Clemson versus Navy matchup on Sunday. This marks a return for the Tigers, who haven’t participated in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.
What other players are worth watching?
One player to keep an eye on is Boston College’s Rachel Clark, currently among the nation’s top scorers with 91 goals this season. Northwestern’s Madison Taylor is close behind with 89 goals, also leading in free position goals.
Additionally, Boston College’s goalkeeper Siya Dolce is a Tewaarton finalist, recognized as the ACC’s Goalkeeper of the Year, boasting a save rate of 55.7.
For Loyola Maryland, senior offensive player George Latch ranks second nationally with 69 assists, contributing to 53 goals overall. The Greyhounds are set to match up against Stony Brook on Friday, with the winning team facing Boston College next.
James Madison’s Epke is noteworthy as well, dominating in draw control with an average of 12.61 per game, totaling 227 for the season; JMU will compete against Duke on Friday.
On the defensive end, Johns Hopkins’ Reagan O’Brien leads in forced turnovers, having caused 85 this season, as the Blue Jays prepare to face Liberty.
Lastly, Florida’s fourth-seeded midfielder Caitlin Davis is a top player in goals, groundballs, causing turnovers, and draw control, gearing up to lead the Gators against Mercer.
