The road to Championship Weekend continues! After an incredible opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament filled with upsets, statement wins, and breakout performances, just eight teams remain standing in the race for the 2026 National Championship. Now, the stakes get even higher as teams battle in the Quarterfinals with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

From powerhouse programs like Tufts, Bowdoin, and RIT continuing their push toward Memorial Day Weekend, to Cinderella runs from teams like Hope proving they belong on the national stage, this year’s tournament has already delivered some of the best DeeThreeLax action of the season. Every matchup this weekend feels loaded with storylines, star power, and championship implications.

The Quarterfinals are where legends are made, seasons come to an end, and dreams of a national title stay alive. Let’s dive into the matchups taking place this weekend. 

Tufts (19-1) vs. York (20-1) – NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal

This is what DeeThreeLax is all about. Two national title contenders. Two teams with just one loss on the season. A trip to the Final Four on the line. Tufts and York collide in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals in what feels like one of the marquee matchups of the entire postseason.

Tufts enters at 19-1 as the reigning national champion and once again looks every bit like a team capable of cutting down the nets in May. The Jumbos have been dominant offensively all season long and continue to overwhelm teams with depth, pace, and elite transition play.

The offense is powered by an absurd collection of talent including Jack Regnery (102 pts), Brooks Hauser (85 pts), Chase Beyer (74 pts), Will Emsing (73 pts), and Garrett Kelly (51 pts). Defensively, Tufts brings physicality and athleticism all over the field with Jack Donovan (30 CTs, 27 GBs, 3 pts), Logan Lee (25 CTs, 30 GBs, 3 pts), Davis Owens (21 CTs, 48 GBs, 15 pts), and William Bonner (21 CTs, 27 GBs, 4 pts) leading the way. In goal, Jack Old (181 saves, 58% save percentage) continues to anchor one of the top teams in DeeThreeLax.

The road to the Quarterfinals has been impressive for the Jumbos, who rolled past Rhodes 17-9 in the Second Round before dismantling Middlebury 24-10 in the Third Round.

York enters at 20-1 after another outstanding season and has looked like one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country throughout 2026. The Spartans have proven they can score with anyone and bring plenty of experience into this quarterfinal showdown.

Leading the attack are Davis Fisher (94 pts), Cory Bergmann (93 pts), Nate Schilling (79 pts), and Gavin Gismondi (67 pts) one of the deepest offensive groups remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Defensively, Colin Kane (29 CTs, 56 GBs, 2 pts), Bear Evans (24 CTs, 67 GBs, 4 pts), and Jeff Mueller (23 CTs, 18 GBs) help anchor a physical defensive unit, while Ryan Hudson (174 FO wins, 65%) gives York an important weapon at the faceoff X.

York’s path to the Quarterfinals included an 11-4 win over Colorado College in the Second Round followed by an impressive 18-12 victory over Lynchburg in the Third Round.

The last meeting between these two programs came on May 14, 2023, in the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament, where Tufts dominated York 21-8. Tufts currently holds a 2-0 all-time record over the Spartans.

DeeThreeLax Take

Tufts enters as the favorite and the reigning national champion for good reason, but York absolutely has the firepower to make this a battle. If the Spartans can control possession, keep pace offensively, and put pressure on Tufts early, this game could get very interesting. At the same time, Tufts has looked nearly unstoppable during this NCAA Tournament run and continues to play with the confidence of a championship team. Expect a high-level, high-scoring battle with a Final Four berth on the line.

CNU (18-3) vs. Wesleyan (13-4) – NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal

The NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals continue with another heavyweight showdown as CNU and Wesleyan collide for a trip to the Final Four. Two battle-tested programs, two explosive offenses, and plenty of NCAA Tournament experience make this one of the must-watch games of the weekend.

CNU enters at 18-3 after another outstanding season and continues to look like one of the most complete teams remaining in the tournament. The Captains have been dominant offensively while also bringing one of the more physical and disciplined defensive groups in DeethreeLax.

Leading the offense are Kevin Miller (102 pts), Jamie Smith (90 pts), and Ryan Miller (75 pts)  a trio capable of completely taking over games. Defensively, CNU is loaded with playmakers including Brett Kelley (46 CTs, 70 GBs, 6 pts), Mark Davison (25 CTs, 29 GBs, 1 pt), Colin DeGrassi (24 CTs, 45 GBs, 1 pt), AJ Rosacker (23 CTs, 35 GBs, 2 pts), and Rory Keverline (23 CTs, 14 GBs). In goal, Mason Bellinger (281 saves, 61% save percentage) continues to be one of the top difference-makers in the country.

CNU’s road to the Quarterfinals included a dominant 20-7 win over Pfeiffer in the Second Round before surviving a thriller against Washington & Lee with a 13-12 victory in the Third Round.

Wesleyan enters at 13-4 after another strong run through the NESCAC and has looked dangerous throughout the NCAA Tournament so far. The Cardinals bring balance, experience, and offensive depth capable of matching anyone remaining in the field.

Leading the offense are Gavin Lechner (47 pts), Will Miller (47 pts), Matt Morrow (45 pts), Ben Burns (38 pts), and James Bailey (38 pts) a deep attack that can hurt teams from multiple spots on the field. Defensively, Joe Hurton (28 CTs, 40 GBs, 3 pts), Lucca Casagrande (20 CTs, 18 GBs), Doug Rabin (18 CTs, 28 GBs, 3 pts), and Charlie Hill (17 CTs, 32 GBs, 6 pts) headline a gritty defensive unit.

Wesleyan’s path to the Quarterfinals featured a dominant 19-4 win over Ohio Northern before taking down fellow NESCAC opponent Williams 14-10 in the Third Round.

The last matchup between these two programs came on May 15, 2022, in the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament, where CNU rolled to a 21-8 victory over Wesleyan.

DeeThreeLax Take
Both teams have explosive offenses and plenty of depth, so don’t be surprised if this turns into a high-scoring battle early. The biggest factor for me might be the CNU defense along with Mason Bellinger in net. If the Captains can slow Wesleyan’s balanced attack and control tempo defensively, they could gain the edge. At the same time, Wesleyan is NESCAC-tested and fully capable of trading punches offensively for four quarters. Either way, expect an electric Quarterfinal matchup with a Final Four berth on the line.

Babson (18-2) vs. RIT (17-4) – NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal

The NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals continue with a rematch battle between two national title contenders as Babson and RIT clash for a trip to the Final Four. These two already met once earlier this season, and after the way both teams have played in the NCAA Tournament, this rematch feels even bigger.

Babson enters at 18-2 and continues to look like one of the most complete teams remaining in DeeThreeLax. The Beavers have elite balance across the board, explosive offense, strong faceoff play, physical defense, and one of the top goalies in the country.

The offense is led by Joey Allen (66 pts), Bennett Smith (55 pts), Braden Reilly (51 pts), Camden Matthews (42 pts), and Seamus Rooney (41 pts), giving Babson scoring depth all over the field. Defensively, Tyee Ambrosh (22 CTs, 34 GBs, 3 pts) and Mason Dorr (19 CTs, 43 GBs, 1 pt) help anchor a tough defensive unit, while Beau Burns (194 FO wins, 75%) has been dominant at the faceoff X. In goal, Andrew Almquist (244 saves, 61% save percentage) continues to be one of the top netminders remaining in the tournament.

Babson’s road to the Quarterfinals has been impressive, dismantling Mass Maritime 26-8 in the Second Round before taking down St. Lawrence 13-9 in the Third Round.

RIT enters at 17-4 after another strong Liberty League season and now comes into the Quarterfinals riding major momentum following one of the biggest wins of the NCAA Tournament so far.

The Tigers are powered offensively by Erich Acton (77 pts), Ryan Sanders (75 pts), Ethan Harkins (52 pts), Tyson Allison (42 pts), and David Charney (40 pts) one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the country. Defensively, RIT brings toughness and experience through Joe Holenstein (31 CTs, 77 GBs, 5 pts), Logan Fletcher (30 CTs, 43 GBs, 5 pts), Alexander Chairs (19 CTs, 63 GBs, 1 pt), and Jamie Hunt (19 CTs, 9 GBs). In net, veteran goalie Alex Zborowski (212 saves, 54% save percentage) gives the Tigers experience and composure in big-game moments.

RIT’s tournament run began with a dominant 19-6 win over Elmhurst before pulling off a thrilling 12-11 upset over Salisbury in the Third Round to punch its ticket to the Quarterfinals.

These two teams met earlier this season, where Babson earned a strong 16-12 victory over RIT.

DeeThreeLax Take
This feels like one of the best Quarterfinal matchups in the country. Babson enters as one of the most complete teams left in the NCAA Tournament, but RIT is riding high after knocking off Salisbury and clearly believes it can beat anyone remaining in the field. The big question always comes up in rematches, can a team beat another quality opponent twice in the same season? Babson certainly has the pieces to do it, but RIT’s confidence and offensive firepower make this incredibly dangerous. Expect a physical, high-level battle that likely comes down to the wire with a Final Four berth on the line.

Bowdoin (18-1) vs. Hope (20-0) – NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal

The Cinderella story rolls on into the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals as undefeated Hope takes on national title contender Bowdoin with a trip to the Final Four on the line. One team has been dominant all season in the NESCAC, while the other continues to shock the country week after week. This is exactly what makes May lacrosse special.

Bowdoin enters at 18-1 after spending most of the season ranked among the very best teams in DeeThreelax. The Polar Bears have elite firepower offensively, physicality defensively, and depth all over the field.

The offense is led by one of the most dangerous duos in the country with Casey Ryan (116 pts) and Chris Berry (100 pts), while Sam Raye-Steiner (71 pts) gives Bowdoin another elite scoring option. Defensively, the Polar Bears are anchored by Alex Byrne (23 CTs, 74 GBs, 8 pts), Nico Schermer (22 CTs, 67 GBs, 15 pts), and Brooks Kitchel (21 CTs, 29 GBs, 4 pts) a group capable of creating chaos in transition. At the faceoff X, Bowdoin has major depth with both Cam Wietfeldt (177 FO wins, 65%) and Alex Choi (131 FO wins, 64%), while goalie Alec Delgado (214 saves, 57% save percentage) continues to anchor one of the top teams remaining in the tournament.

Bowdoin’s road to the Quarterfinals included a dominant 16-6 win over Scranton in the Second Round before grinding out a hard-fought 17-14 victory over Stevens in the Third Round.

Hope enters at a perfect 20-0 and has become the Cinderella story of the NCAA Tournament. The Flying Dutchmen just continue finding ways to win and have now pulled off back-to-back upsets over nationally respected opponents to reach the first Quarterfinal appearance in program history.

The offense revolves around superstar Gibson Heethuis (132 pts), who has been one of the most electric offensive players in DeeThreeLax this season. He’s joined by Preston Hoexum (93 pts) and Jack Zuiderveen (49 pts) in a dangerous attack group. Defensively and in transition, Hope gets major contributions from Tyler Berens (45 CTs, 57 GBs, 10 pts), Jackson Arnold (23 CTs, 40 GBs, 23 pts), and John Foster (39 CTs, 69 GBs, 4 pts). In net, Jack Balmforth (152 saves, 55% save percentage) has stepped up in huge moments throughout the tournament run.

Hope’s road to the Quarterfinals has been nothing short of remarkable. The Flying Dutchmen upset Ithaca 14-11 in the Second Round before taking down another NESCAC opponent, Bates, 14-12 in the Third Round.

These two programs have never faced each other before, making this Quarterfinal showdown the first meeting between Bowdoin and Hope.

DeeThreeLax Take
Can Hope keep the Cinderella run alive? That’s the big question heading into this Quarterfinal matchup. Bowdoin has looked like one of the top teams in DeeThreeLax all season long and absolutely has the edge on paper, but at this point it’s impossible to overlook what Hope has done. The Flying Dutchmen have already knocked off two outstanding teams and are playing with confidence and momentum. If Hope can dictate pace early and keep Bowdoin uncomfortable, anything is possible. Still, Bowdoin’s depth, faceoff play, and offensive firepower make the Polar Bears one of the toughest teams left standing.