Princeton Ends 25-Year Drought, Wins 2026 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship

On May 25, 2026, No. 1 seed Princeton defeated No. 2 seed Notre Dame 16-9 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, securing the program’s seventh NCAA men’s lacrosse title and its first since 2001.

National Champions! Princeton Wins NCAA Men's Lacrosse Title, 12th Ivy League Title All-Time

After a dominant 1990s run, Princeton’s lacrosse program fell to a single NCAA appearance between 2011-2021 and a four-win season in 2012. Head coach Matt Madalon, hired in 2020, rebuilt the roster around senior attacker Chad Palumbo and junior Colin Burns, while goalkeeper Ryan Croddick anchored the defense.

The wait is over: No. 1 men’s lacrosse roars past Notre Dame to secure first national title since 2001

Princeton trailed 3-0, then scored 11 unanswered goals to lead 11-3 at halftime. The Tigers recorded 29 ground balls to Notre Dame’s 11 in the first half and a total advantage of 46-30. They fired 53 shots (33 on goal) while Croddick made 13 saves; Palumbo contributed four goals and two assists.

Princeton Men’s Lacrosse Dominates Notre Dame, Wins NCAA Title

The victory gave the Ivy League its 12th men’s lacrosse national title and the second in a row, underscoring that schools with modest endowments—Princeton’s $36 billion fund aside—can still challenge wealthier programs. The result fuels debate over whether lacrosse will remain dominated by Power-Five schools with larger athletic budgets.

Princeton’s Latest Lacrosse Title Shows Fluidity of NCAA Economics

Princeton’s athletics office hailed the “dominant 16-9 victory” and praised the team’s resilience after the early deficit. Madalon highlighted the tactical shift to a zone defense. Notre Dame coach Kevin Corrigan stressed accountability, promising to “learn from today and get back to work.” The Ivy League issued a statement celebrating its “12th national title.”

Princeton Ends 25-Year Drought, Storms Past Notre Dame for NCAA Title

Analysts note that private schools lacking billion-dollar endowments, such as Hofstra and Loyola, have struggled to reach the tournament, while data from the U.S. Department of Education show the sport’s highest-spending programs increasingly belong to Power-Five football schools. This trend suggests a widening financial gap that could limit competitive balance.

Princeton’s Latest Lacrosse Title Shows Fluidity of NCAA Economics

Spectators recalled Notre Dame’s 3-0 start, a timeout, and Madalon’s switch to a zone defense that sparked Princeton’s 11-goal run. The Tigers kept Notre Dame from closing the gap beyond five goals in the second half, sealing the championship.

Princeton Ends 25-Year Drought, Storms Past Notre Dame for NCAA Title

Reports differ on the run’s composition: some describe an 11-goal unanswered stretch, others note an 8-0 second-quarter surge. Ricciardelli’s save total appears as 19 in one source and is omitted elsewhere, indicating incomplete statistical reconciliation.

South Bend Tribune

• “We walk into an office with six national championship trophies every day,” — Matt Madalon, Head Coach, Princeton

Princeton Men’s Lacrosse Dominates Notre Dame, Wins NCAA Title

• “It reminds us we’re at a place where it can absolutely be done, so it’s extremely motivating.” — Matt Madalon

The wait is over: No. 1 men’s lacrosse roars past Notre Dame to secure first national title since 2001

• “When Ryan’s seeing the ball, this team feels unstoppable.” — Chad Palumbo, Senior Attacker, Princeton

Princeton Men’s Lacrosse Dominates Notre Dame, Wins NCAA Title

• “I said to them right after the game that success has many parents and failure is an orphan,” — Kevin Corrigan, Head Coach, Notre Dame

South Bend Tribune