The 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament delivered everything fans hoped for and more—underdog triumphs, elite talent, and one of the most memorable performances in championship history. After a thrilling Final Four and a fiercely contested championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, it was Cornell University that emerged victorious, earning its first national title since 1977.
This year’s final four featured blue-blood programs and rising contenders, setting the stage for a weekend of high-stakes drama. Here’s a comprehensive recap of how it all went down—and who stole the spotlight.
National Championship Game: Cornell 13, Maryland 10
The national title game on Memorial Day was a battle of the top seeds: No. 1 Cornell vs. No. 2 Maryland. From the outset, it was clear that this wouldn't be a repeat of recent Maryland dominance. Cornell, fueled by a potent offense and a determined defense, seized control early and never let up.
CJ Kirst’s Heroic Farewell
No player shined brighter than CJ Kirst, Cornell’s senior attackman. Known throughout the season for his offensive explosiveness, Kirst cemented his legacy by scoring six goals in the championship, matching the NCAA single-season record with 82 total goals. His efforts earned him Most Outstanding Player honors for the tournament.
Final Four Highlights
Cornell 14, Penn State 9
Cornell booked their ticket to the championship by dismantling Penn State in a game defined by high-octane offense and disciplined execution. Kirst again led the charge with five goals, while junior midfielder Michael Long added a pair of scores and two assists.
Cornell's defense, anchored by senior Gavin Adler, smothered Penn State’s key threats, keeping them to just three second-half goals. The Big Red's ability to control possession and limit turnovers proved decisive.
Maryland 12, Notre Dame 6
In a battle between traditional powers, Maryland upset two-time defending national champions Notre Dame in what was arguably the defensive performance of the tournament.
Goalie Logan McNaney was outstanding, recording 14 saves and directing traffic with the precision of a seasoned veteran. The Terps' defense held Notre Dame scoreless for large chunks of the game, with long-stick midfielder Ajax Zappitello shadowing Irish star Pat Kavanagh and limiting him to just one assist.
On offense, Maryland used a balanced attack led by Eric Spanos and Daniel Kelly, both scoring hat tricks. Their ball movement and patience wore down a typically stingy Notre Dame backline.
Final Thoughts
From packed stadiums and clutch performances to historic milestones, the 2025 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship delivered everything fans could ask for. With young stars emerging and traditional powers staying strong, the future of college lacrosse looks as bright as ever. And that a wrap on the 2025 season.
Congratulations to the Cornell Big Red—2025 National Champions!