2026 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Season Recap
Three champions, three different stories — Northwestern's late comeback, Florida Southern's dominant start, and Middlebury's perfect 23-0 finish.
The 2026 season ended with three outstanding champions, each winning in a different fashion — from a late comeback in Division I to dominant defensive performances in Divisions II and III.
| Division | National Champion | Championship Result | Season Record | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Division I | Northwestern | def. North Carolina, 14–11 | 19–3 | | Division II | Florida Southern | def. Maryville, 9–7 | 21–1 | | Division III | Middlebury | def. Wesleyan, 8–6 | 23–0 |
Division I — Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern captured its ninth NCAA championship with a 14–11 win over defending champion North Carolina. The Wildcats erased a second-half deficit with five unanswered fourth-quarter goals in front of a record crowd of 8,316 at their home field in Evanston. Freshman Gabriella McCollester scored four goals, Madison Taylor delivered one goal and six assists, and goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco made 11 saves while holding UNC scoreless over the final 17-plus minutes. The title also gave head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller her ninth national championship — the most in NCAA history.
Division II — Florida Southern Moccasins
Florida Southern finished a 21–1 season with a 9–7 championship victory over Maryville. The Moccasins built a 9–2 lead through three quarters, then survived a relentless five-goal Maryville fourth-quarter rally. The win gave Florida Southern another major chapter in its women's lacrosse tradition, with its defense and early-game execution proving decisive in Rochester.
Division III — Middlebury Panthers
Middlebury completed a perfect 23–0 season by defeating NESCAC rival Wesleyan, 8–6, for its fifth straight national championship. In a tight defensive final, the Panthers broke a 3–3 halftime tie by outscoring Wesleyan 5–3 in the second half. Caroline Adams recorded two goals and an assist and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Middlebury's 12th NCAA title tied TCNJ for the most in Division III women's lacrosse history.
