Dickinson (15-3) vs. Middlebury (8-7) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

One of the best matchups of the NCAA Tournament Second Round features Centennial Conference powerhouse Dickinson taking on battle-tested NESCAC opponent Middlebury. Two respected programs from two of the top conferences in DeeThreeLax collide with a trip to the next round on the line.

Dickinson enters at 15-3 after another outstanding season and a deep run through the Centennial Conference. The Red Devils have built their identity around balanced offense, physical defense, and consistency from top to bottom.

Offensively, Dickinson is led by Preston Boyd (44 pts), Ramsey Huggins (44 pts), and Drew Stark (32 pts) a group capable of producing in bunches and controlling tempo. Defensively, Hayden Warren (30 CTs, 52 GBs, 5 pts) headlines a tough unit alongside Ethan Ferrant (26 CTs, 31 GBs, 4 pts) and Ethan Ackerman (17 CTs, 25 GBs, 1 pt), who all play a major role in creating transition opportunities and limiting opponents’ possessions.

Middlebury enters at 8-7, but the record doesn’t tell the full story. The Panthers survived another brutal NESCAC schedule and have once again shown they can compete with elite teams when the lights are brightest.

Leading the offense is Logan White (48 pts), with Will Ford (32 pts) and Cooper DeMallie (24 pts) adding scoring depth. Defensively, Drew Dummer (33 CTs, 30 GBs, 1 pt) has been outstanding all season, while Ryan Colella (17 CTs, 22 GBs, 1 pt) and Bryan Henry (10 CTs, 21 GBs, 1 pt) help anchor a gritty defensive group.

These two programs have met twice previously. Middlebury won the first matchup in 2019 by a score of 16-11, and more recently the Panthers pulled off a 13-9 upset over Dickinson in the Third Round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

DeeThreeLax Take
This feels like one of the most evenly matched games of the Second Round. Dickinson probably enters on paper as the stronger team based on record and overall consistency this season, but Middlebury is NESCAC-tested and fully capable of hanging with anyone in the country. The Panthers already showed in 2024 they know how to beat Dickinson in the NCAA Tournament, which adds another interesting layer to this matchup. Expect a physical, back-and-forth battle that likely comes down to execution late in the fourth quarter.

Gettysburg (12-4) vs. Washington & Lee (15-5) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

Two conference champions meet in what could easily become one of the best games of the NCAA Tournament Second Round as Gettysburg takes on Washington & Lee. Both teams are coming off conference title runs and already know what it takes to win big games this season.

Gettysburg enters at 12-4 after battling through the Centennial Conference and proving once again why the Bullets are consistently one of the top programs in DeeThreeLax. Gettysburg has leaned on balanced scoring, physical defense, and experience in close games throughout the year.

Leading the offense are Jackson Hearn (61 pts), Jackson Barroll (58 pts), and Charlie Johnson (48 pts) a trio capable of taking over games offensively. Defensively, Brian Delduchetto (20 CTs, 22 GBs), Jacob Derwinski (14 CTs, 30 GBs, 3 pts), and Owen McAllister (14 CTs, 30 GBs, 3 pts) anchor a tough defensive unit that thrives on creating extra possessions and limiting transition opportunities.

Washington & Lee comes in at 15-5 after another strong ODAC campaign and a conference championship run that showcased one of the most dangerous offenses in the country. The Generals can score quickly and punish teams when they get rolling offensively.

The offense is powered by an elite trio in James Haley (101 pts), Luke Caldwell (94 pts), and Tucker Davis (60 pts) one of the top offensive groups remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Defensively, Jay O’Keefe (28 CTs, 33 GBs, 5 pts), Colin Beatty (15 CTs, 52 GBs, 8 pts), and Chris Datz (15 CTs, 49 GBs, 1 pt) help set the tone with physical play and strong ground ball work.

These two met earlier this season on March 7, where Gettysburg earned a gritty 11-9 win over Washington & Lee in a tight battle.

DeeThreeLax Take
Two conference champions, two battle-tested teams, and two groups that already know each other after meeting earlier this season. Honestly, this matchup feels incredibly even across the board, and I’m not sure either side has a major advantage heading into Saturday. It’s probably going to come down to who handles the moment better, wins the little things, and executes late in the fourth quarter. Expect a physical, high-level NCAA Tournament game that could easily go down to the wire.

St. John Fisher (17-2) vs. Williams (7-9) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

Another excellent NCAA Tournament Second Round matchup is set for Saturday as Empire 8 champion St. John Fisher takes on battle-tested NESCAC opponent Williams. On paper the records may look very different, but anyone who follows DeeThreeLax  lacrosse knows how dangerous a NESCAC team can be once tournament time arrives.

St. John Fisher enters at 17-2 after another dominant season and continues to look like one of the more complete teams in the country. The Cardinals have been balanced offensively, disciplined defensively, and confident in tight games all season long.

Leading the offense is Lane Edinger (63 pts), Scott Bovard (62 pts), and Sean Donaldson (57 pts) a trio capable of creating offense from anywhere on the field. Defensively, Ethan Hodge (23 CTs, 42 GBs, 2 pts), Jake Vernieri (20 CTs, 37 GBs, 3 pts), and Connor Gray (19 CTs, 26 GBs, 2 pts) anchor a physical unit that thrives on forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities.

Williams comes in at 7-9, but the Ephs are far more dangerous than their record may suggest after surviving another brutal NESCAC schedule. Williams has spent the season battling some of the top teams in DeeThreeLax and now gets another chance to prove itself on the national stage.

Offensively, Will Doran (59 pts) leads the way alongside Ryan Johnson (31 pts) and Jack Satorius (28 pts). Defensively, Williams relies heavily on Aidan Housenbold (28 CTs, 62 GBs, 7 pts) and Brody Page (21 CTs, 50 GBs)to control possessions and bring energy in transition, while Drew Nicholson (15 CTs, 35 GBs, 3 pts) adds another experienced presence.

The last matchup between these two programs came back on May 11, 2019, in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where Williams defeated St. John Fisher 17-12.

DeeThreeLax Take
St. John Fisher probably enters with the better overall body of work and record this season, but Williams is NESCAC-tested and capable of hanging with anyone in the country. Tournament lacrosse always feels different, and the Ephs have enough talent and experience against elite competition to make this very uncomfortable for Fisher. Expect a physical, hard-fought game that should remain close deep into the fourth quarter.

St. Lawrence (11-6) vs. Hamilton (9-7) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

Another exciting NCAA Tournament Second Round matchup is on deck as Liberty League battle-tested St. Lawrence takes on NESCAC contender Hamilton. Two strong programs from two of the best conferences in DeeThreeLax now meet with a trip to the next round on the line.

St. Lawrence enters at 11-6 after navigating one of the toughest schedules in the country and proving throughout the season that the Sfaints can compete with elite competition. The Saints have leaned on balanced offensive production and physical defensive play to stay dangerous all season long.

Leading the offense is Daniel Mahoney (70 pts), alongside Jamie Rosenzweig (48 pts) and Patrick Murray (32 pts). Defensively, Drew Knight (34 CTs, 127 GBs, 9 pts) has been one of the most impactful two-way players around, while Quin Fedor (25 CTs, 29 GBs, 2 pts) continues to anchor a gritty defensive unit.

Hamilton comes in at 9-7 after surviving another difficult NESCAC season and proving capable of hanging with top-level competition. The Continentals bring plenty of offensive talent and defensive toughness into this matchup.

The offense is led by Carson Kraus (55 pts), Thomas Healy (40 pts), and Frank Coyle (30 pts). On the defensive side, Riley Chai-Onn (29 CTs, 32 GBs) and Lance Dominick (12 CTs, 26 GBs) will play a major role in trying to slow down St. Lawrence’s offensive rhythm.

The last recorded meeting between these two programs dates back to April 30, 2011, where Hamilton earned a 10-6 victory over St. Lawrence. Overall, St. Lawrence holds a 19-8 advantage in the all-time series.

DeeThreeLax Take
Another really fun Second Round matchup is on tap here. Anytime you get a top Liberty League team going head-to-head with a NESCAC opponent, you know it’s going to be physical and competitive. St. Lawrence probably enters with a slight edge based on experience against elite opponents this season, but Hamilton is more than capable of making this a battle. Feels like the type of NCAA Tournament game that stays tight throughout and comes down to which team makes the biggest plays late in the fourth quarter.

Babson (16-2) vs. Mass Maritime (16-2) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

An all-Massachusetts showdown headlines another exciting NCAA Tournament Second Round matchup as Babson takes on Mass Maritime with a trip to the next weekend of the tournament on the line. Two 16-win teams, two conference champions, and plenty of regional familiarity make this one especially intriguing.

Babson enters at 16-2 after spending most of the season ranked among the top teams in DeeThreeLax. The Beavers have been one of the most complete teams in the country, combining efficient offense, elite goaltending, and strong faceoff play.

Leading the offense are Joey Allen (63 pts), Bennett Smith (50 pts), and Braden Reilly (43 pts) a balanced group capable of putting pressure on defenses from all over the field. Defensively, Tyee Ambrosh (19 CTs, 30 GBs, 3 pts) and Mason Dorr (18 CTs, 40 GBs, 1 pt) anchor a physical unit, while standout goalie Andrew Almquist (225 saves, 61% save percentage) has been a major difference-maker all season long. At the faceoff X, Beau Burns (169 FO wins, 74%)gives Babson another major advantage in the possession game.

Mass Maritime also enters at 16-2 after an outstanding season and a dominant run through the LEC. The Buccaneers have been red-hot down the stretch and bring an offense capable of making this game uncomfortable for anyone.

The offense is led by Daniel Kane (82 pts), James Sullivan (74 pts), and Quinn Mucha (56 pts) one of the more underrated offensive groups remaining in the tournament. Defensively, Chris Sullivan (45 CTs, 44 GBs, 4 pts) has been excellent all year, while Seamus Buckley (21 CTs, 32 GBs, 3 pts) adds toughness and physicality.

These two programs know each other very well and have faced off 27 times historically, with Babson holding a dominant 26-1 all-time advantage. The most recent meeting came back on March 30, 2018, where Babson earned a 10-4 victory over Mass Maritime.

DeeThreeLax Take
Babson enters as the favorite and has looked like one of the top teams in the country all season long, but Mass Maritime absolutely deserves respect after the season it has put together. The Buccaneers will likely need to slow the pace, limit Babson’s transition opportunities, and avoid letting the Beavers settle into rhythm offensively. If Mass Maritime can do that and keep things tight early, this could become a much more competitive NCAA Tournament Second Round game than many expect.

Stevens (17-2) vs. Amherst (8-7) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

The NCAA Tournament Second Round gets underway with an intriguing clash between conference champion Stevens and battle-tested NESCAC opponent Amherst. It’s another classic NCAA Tournament matchup featuring a dominant regular season team going toe-to-toe with a squad that survived one of the toughest conferences in DeeThreeLax.

Stevens enters at 17-2 after an outstanding season and has looked like one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country all year long. The Ducks have overwhelmed opponents with scoring depth, pace, and transition offense.

Leading the offense is superstar Matthew Pergola (102 pts), alongside fellow offensive threats Jack Tenaglia (92 pts), Adam DeCristofaro (63 pts), and Luke Lesizza (53 pts, 55 GBs, 2 pts). Stevens also brings a physical defensive group led by John Flynn (24 CTs, 39 GBs, 1 pt) and Tynan Murray (20 CTs, 49 GBs, 4 pts), giving them impact players all over the field.

Amherst enters at 8-7 after grinding through another difficult NESCAC schedule and proving throughout the year it can hang with elite competition. The Mammoths may not have the flashiest record remaining in the NCAA Tournament, but NESCAC teams are always dangerous once May rolls around.

Offensively, Amherst is led by Bob Gross (36 pts), Brendan Reilly (32 pts), and Bennett Chow (29 pts). Defensively, Thompson Lau (23 CTs, 35 GBs, 1 pt) and Luciano Chadha (21 CTs, 28 GBs) help anchor a tough unit that thrives on physical play and winning ground balls, while Sam Sneider (12 CTs, 32 GBs, 1 pt) adds another experienced presence.

There is no previous recorded matchup between Stevens and Amherst, making this a fresh NCAA Tournament battle between two strong programs.

DeeThreeLax Take
This feels like another classic Second Round NCAA Tournament matchup. Stevens enters as the favorite after an incredible regular season and one of the best offenses in DeeThreeLax, but Amherst absolutely has the ability to make this uncomfortable. The Mammoths are battle-tested from the NESCAC and know how to grind games down into physical, possession-heavy battles. If Amherst can control tempo early and avoid letting Stevens get into transition rhythm, this game could stay tight for the full 60 minutes.

Bowdoin (16-1) vs. Scranton (14-6) – NCAA Tournament Second Round

Another outstanding NCAA Tournament Second Round matchup is set as powerhouse Bowdoin takes on gritty Landmark champion Scranton. With a spot in the next round on the line, this game features one of the top teams in the country going against a battle-tested group that has made a habit of finding ways to win.

Bowdoin enters at 16-1 after an incredible 2026 campaign that at one point saw the Polar Bears rise to the No. 1 ranking in the country. Bowdoin has been one of the most explosive and balanced teams in DeeThreeLax all season long.

The offense is led by superstar Casey Ryan (104 pts) alongside Chris Berry (90 pts) and Sam Raye-Steiner (64 pts)  one of the most dangerous offensive trios remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Defensively, Bowdoin is anchored by Nico Schermer (19 CTs, 59 GBs, 11 pts), Alex Byrne (18 CTs, 65 GBs, 7 pts), and Brooks Kitchel (18 CTs, 25 GBs, 3 pts), giving the Polar Bears elite two-way play across the field.

Scranton enters at 14-6 after another strong season and a Landmark title run that showcased exactly what this program is about toughness, physicality, and winning close games. The Royals may come in as the underdog, but they’ve shown throughout the season they are capable of hanging with quality competition.

Leading the offense are Quinn Carson (69 pts), Kyle Holmes (64 pts), and Jason Kozak (45 pts), who have consistently fueled the Scranton offense. Defensively, Colin Giarrusso (22 CTs, 41 GBs, 6 pts) and Thomas Popolizio (20 CTs, 18 GBs, 6 pts) bring physicality and energy, while Logan Kelly (20 CTs) continues to anchor the defensive effort.

This NCAA Tournament Second Round matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Bowdoin and Scranton.

DeeThreeLax Take
Bowdoin absolutely comes in as the favorite after putting together one of the best seasons in DeeThreeLax, but don’t overlook Scranton. The Royals are a gritty, physical team that thrives in ugly games and has proven it can stay composed in tight moments. If Scranton can slow Bowdoin’s pace, limit transition opportunities, and keep this game within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter, things could get very interesting late. Still, Bowdoin’s offensive firepower and overall depth make the Polar Bears one of the toughest outs in the NCAA Tournament.