The **2025 DI Men’s Lacrosse Tournament Semifinals** are just around the corner, promising to be a clash of titans as fans gear up for an exhilarating showdown in **Foxborough, Massachusetts**, this Saturday. With a dramatic quarterfinals behind us, let’s dive into everything you need to know to catch all the action!
Game Schedule
- No. 1 Cornell vs. No. 5 Penn State – 12 p.m. ET | ESPN2 | Live Stats
- No. 2 Maryland vs. No. 6 Syracuse – 2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2 | Live Stats
Paths to Glory
No. 1 Cornell entered the tournament as the **team to beat**, spearheaded by Tewaaraton Award frontrunner **CJ Kirst**. The Big Red overwhelmed Albany 15-6 in their opening match, showcasing their prowess. Kirst, with a dazzling six-goal performance, is inching ever closer to the **DI single-season goal record**.
However, the path hasn’t been smooth sailing for Cornell. In a nail-biting quarterfinal, they barely edged past a determined Richmond squad, winning 13-12. A furious rally in the fourth quarter—featuring four goals—propelled them to victory, with Kirst contributing another two goals and securing a career-high 10 ground balls.
For a closer look at the **tournament schedule**, check out this [NCAA bracket](https://www.ncaa.com/news/lacrosse-men/article/2025-05-18/2025-ncaa-di-mens-lacrosse-championship-bracket-schedule-results).
No. 2 Maryland also showed their dominance, cruising past Air Force 13-5 before staving off a hungry Georgetown team, leading to a hard-fought 9-6 win in the quarterfinals. Maryland’s defense was relentless, successfully smothering the Hoyas’ offensive efforts, marking their second consecutive championship weekend.
In an underdog story, No. 5 Penn State has battled fiercely throughout the tournament, winning each match by a mere two goals. Their quarterfinal matchup against back-to-back national champions, Notre Dame, was the pinnacle of their journey. With a dramatic fourth-quarter rally, the Nittany Lions overcame a three-goal deficit, ultimately winning 14-12. Their stellar defense held the Irish scoreless in the final minutes, while Kyle Lehman and Matt Traynor each netted two goals early in the fourth, sealing the deal.
No. 6 Syracuse faced hurdles in finding their way to Foxborough. After narrowly defeating Harvard 13-12 in overtime, they embarked on a thrilling shootout against No. 3 Princeton, triumphing 19-18. The Orange rallied from a significant 11-6 deficit, with All-American ***Joey Spallina*** and ***Owen Hiltz*** leading the way in points and securing their spot in championship weekend.
The Matchup Preview
No. 1 Cornell vs. No. 5 Penn State
In a riveting rematch, Cornell contends with the only team to mar their record this season—Penn State, who previously defeated the Big Red 13-12 in overtime. This time, Cornell is hungry for revenge.
Penn State boasts the nation’s eighth-ranked defense, having stymied Kirst effectively in their last encounter. Yet, Cornell’s offensive firepower is formidable, averaging over **17 goals per game** in their last four matches. Even if Kirst is contained, they have multiple threats, including Ryan Goldstein, who ranks fourth nationally in points per game.
This battle between Cornell’s high-octane offense and Penn State’s rigid defense is set to be a showdown for the ages.
No. 2 Maryland vs. No. 6 Syracuse
Two of lacrosse’s most esteemed programs are colliding, each vying for a coveted place in the title game. Maryland previously stymied Syracuse’s high-scoring offense (ranked sixth nationally) to just **seven goals** during their regular season match, showcasing the Terps’ defensive mettle.
While Maryland’s defense has allowed just **11 goals** throughout the tournament, Syracuse has erupted for **32 goals** over their last two matches. Key players Spallina and Hiltz are essential for the Orange’s success, especially against a Maryland defense led by Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, **Will Schaller**.
Interestingly, Syracuse holds an edge in the midfield, with ***John Mullen*** leading the nation in face-off wins. If the Orange can capitalize on possession, they could re-write the narrative against the Terps. However, penetrating Maryland’s formidable defense will require ingenuity and precision.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Cornell | Stat | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| 16.18 | Goals/game | 12.40 |
| 10.35 | Goals against/game | 9.07 |
| 14.76 | TOs/game | 14.27 |
| 7.06 | Caused TOs/game | 10.67 |
| .893 | Clearing % | .894 |
| Maryland | Stat | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| 11.13 | Goals/game | 13.89 |
| 7.93 | Goals against/game | 10.17 |
| 13.60 | TOs/game | 13.50 |
| 7.33 | Caused TOs/game | 8.50 |
| .912 | Clearing % | .863 |
As the **semifinals approach**, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable day in lacrosse. Will **Cornell** avenge their earlier loss? Can **Syracuse** break through the Terps’ stout defense? Don’t miss out on the action—this is where legends are made!
