Coming off two appearances over the last three years in the WCLA’s national championship tournament, Clemson’s club team – similar to its third-year varsity program – is on a great trajectory. With that in mind, the club’s goal in 2025 is quite straight forward: another trip back to the WCLA Nationals.
With a 9-0 record and several impressive wins thus far, there’s little doubt that the Tigers are well on their way to achieving their goal. This week’s No. 3 ranking in the WCLA Division I Top 20 – the highest ever for the club – is evidence that their success is being noticed.
“We know what our potential is and we put everything out on the field in each and every game,” said club president Kenzie Kowitz. “We have strong leaders, great team chemistry, and a well-balanced team with talented goal scorers, good feeders, a lockdown defense, and an outstanding goalie.”
Clemson added three more victories to its resume over the past weekend, including wins over then-No. 6 Florida Club (14-8) and No. 17 Florida State (13-9). The Tigers jumped four spots in the ranking and now own five wins over ranked opponents this season.
“We’re focused on creating a competitive environment that players want to be a part of,” Kowitz said. “It’s a fun environment where we all value each other and have mutual respect for one another.”
The Tigers are one of three undefeated teams at the top of this week’s Top 20, trailing only No. 1 UCLA (9-0) and No. 2 Georgia (10-0). A looming Clemson-Georgia showdown is on the schedule for later this month.
Elsewhere, defending champion UCLA continues to roll and added another impressive win last week by defeating No. 9 UC Santa Barbara, 13-8. The Bruins extended their winning streak to 23 straight games, dating back to February 2024.
No. 13 San Diego State was one of the other climbers this week, jumping three spots after recording wins over No. 19 Cal Poly and Arizona Club. No. 20 Oregon Club, 6-2 overall, was the only newcomer in this week’s Top 20.
In Division II, Cal State San Marcos, 5-0 overall, holds the top spot, followed by No. 2 Cal Poly, No. 3 Ole Miss, No. 4 Denver Club, and No. 5 UC San Diego. San Marcos and Ole Miss, which jumped seven spots, are two of four unbeaten teams, along with No. 9 Missouri and No. 11 Fullerton.
Nearly 150 non-varsity collegiate teams comprise the WCLA and compete under the USA Lacrosse umbrella. The season will conclude with the top qualifiers competing in the national championship tournament in Wichita, Kansas, May 7-10.
