The NCAA lacrosse tournament is one of college sports' most exciting postseason competitions. Each year, top teams from across the country battle for national titles in both men's and women's divisions. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to college lacrosse, this guide will help you follow the action, understand the format, and dive into tournament history.

NCAA Lacrosse Tournament Overview

The NCAA lacrosse tournament features a highly competitive single-elimination format. Teams earn spots in the bracket either through automatic bids by winning their conference or via at-large selections based on regular season performance. Both men's and women's tournaments span across Division I, II, and III, each with its own unique bracket and schedule.

For women's Division III, the 2025 tournament features a 47-team field, with 30 automatic qualifiers and 17 at-large bids. The excitement kicks off with campus-hosted games before teams advance to regional sites, culminating in the national semifinals and championship round. This year, the finals will be held at Kerr Stadium in Salem, VA from May 23–25.

The men's Division III tournament is equally thrilling, showcasing 40 top programs. Automatic qualifiers earned their way in by winning conference titles, while others join as at-large selections. Games begin in early May and the tournament concludes over Memorial Day Weekend.

Bracket Highlights and Key Matchups

Fans eagerly wait each year for the tournament selection shows to see which teams make the cut. The brackets are packed with traditional powerhouses and rising programs. In the 2025 women's DIII bracket, schools like Middlebury and Salisbury continue their dominance, with Middlebury aiming for another championship after winning in 2024.

On the men's side, teams like Tufts and Salisbury headline the bracket, both entering with undefeated records. Each round brings intense matchups as schools fight for a spot in the championships. For a more detailed look at men's DIII matchups and bracket analysis, visit Inside Lacrosse's breakdown.

Tournament History and Memorable Moments

The NCAA lacrosse tournament has a storied legacy, producing unforgettable moments and legendary champions. Middlebury, Salisbury, TCNJ, and Gettysburg have each left their mark on women's DIII history. See the full list of past champions and finals results on NCAA.com.

Men's DIII action is renowned for its drama and high-level play, with Tufts and Salisbury often in the championship conversation. As the tournament progresses, expect upsets, overtime thrillers, and standout performances from student-athletes.

Following the Action: Brackets, Schedules, and Streaming

All NCAA lacrosse tournament games are must-watch events for fans. Brackets and schedules are released online, with regular updates as the tournament advances. To keep up with live results, streaming options, and to check the official championship bracket, head to the NCAA's official women's lacrosse page.

For those interested in team stats, highlights, and in-depth analysis, Inside Lacrosse offers comprehensive coverage of every round.

Conclusion

The NCAA lacrosse tournament showcases the best of college lacrosse, uniting fans every spring for a thrilling quest for a national championship. Whether you're rooting for your alma mater or following the journey of new favorites, the tournament is full of excitement, skill, and tradition. Check out the brackets, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience the best in collegiate lacrosse.