We didn’t have to wait for May to enjoy the madness of the 2024 Division I women’s lacrosse season.
Honestly, it’s hardly worth rehashing the relevant results because we’re bound to miss something. Just know this: 2024 is the year to expect the unexpected.
To that end, we’re ready for anything in the NCAA tournament. You have your favorites, sure, but if there was ever a year for a newcomer to sneak its way into the NCAA quarterfinals or beyond, this would be the one.
Let the madness (continue to) ensue.
THE FAVORITES
Northwestern, Boston College, Syracuse, Notre Dame
Defending champion Northwestern is a favorite, as is Boston College, which has been to six straight NCAA title games. Syracuse, too, has the look of a finalist, especially with the momentum it’s gained since the beginning of March.
But we’re here to talk about Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have spent a few weeks at No. 1 in the USA Lacrosse Top 20 this spring, largely on the strength of wins over two other teams in this category (Northwestern and Boston College).
The Irish showed panache in last year’s tournament, riding an emphatic Kasey Choma goal against Florida into the quarterfinals. That budding confidence, combined with savvy transfer portal additions, has Notre Dame primed for a championship weekend push. No one wants to play the Irish in a win-or-go-home game.
BREAKTHROUGH CANDIDATES
Johns Hopkins, Loyola, Stony Brook, Yale
Much was made of Hopkins during fall ball and preseason interviews. The popular opinion was the Blue Jays were due for a breakout in Tim McCormack’s second year as head coach. They were right.
Hopkins lost its last three regular-season games, sure, but it avenged one of those losses by beating Michigan in the Big Ten quarterfinals. That looks great on its resume, as do wins over Stony Brook and James Madison.
They also played Northwestern to a one-goal loss in the Big Ten title game. A loss, but an impressive showing.
What makes Hopkins such a handful is an offense predicated on not leaning exclusively on one or two players. Ava Angello and Ashley Mackin might be the headliners, but Campbell Case, Maeve Barker and Marielle McAteer can beat you, too, if you let Bailey Cheetham and Abbey Hurlbrink set the table for them.