What teams qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship. How is the tournament structured. Who are some key players and teams to watch.
Tournament Format and Qualifying Teams
The NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship features 12 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament. The field is divided into two regions – North and South – with six teams qualifying from each region.
In the North Region, the top seeds are:
- (1) Le Moyne (16-0)
- (2) Mercyhurst (14-2)
- (3) Mercy (14-3)
- (4) Bentley (10-5)
- (5) Adelphi (15-3)
- (6) St. Anselm (9-4)
The South Region qualifiers are:
- (1) Rollins (15-1)
- (2) Limestone (15-4)
- (3) Wingate (12-2)
- (4) Tampa (13-3)
- (5) Lenoir-Rhyne (14-3)
- (6) UIndy (11-3)
The top two seeds in each region receive first-round byes, while the remaining teams face off in the opening round. How does the tournament progress from there? The winners advance through quarterfinals and semifinals before the championship game on May 28th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Key First Round Matchups
Several intriguing first round games are set for May 10th:
North Region
(4) Bentley vs (5) Adelphi – This matchup features two strong Northeast-10 Conference teams. Bentley earned an automatic bid by winning the NE-10 tournament, while Adelphi received an at-large selection after a 15-3 season. Which team will keep their championship hopes alive?
(3) Mercy vs (6) St. Anselm – Mercy had an impressive 14-3 record this season playing in the East Coast Conference. They’ll host St. Anselm, who went 9-4 in the NE-10. Can the Hawks pull off the road upset?
South Region
(4) Tampa vs (5) Lenoir-Rhyne – This game pits the Sunshine State Conference tournament champions Tampa against South Atlantic Conference regular season champs Lenoir-Rhyne. Both teams had excellent seasons – who will advance to face top seed Rollins?
(3) Wingate vs (6) UIndy – Wingate earned the third seed after going 12-2 and winning the SAC tournament. They’ll face Midwest challenge from UIndy, who went 11-3 this year. Will Wingate’s defense or UIndy’s high-powered offense prevail?
Top Seeds and Championship Contenders
While upsets are always possible in tournament play, the top seeds in each region look formidable. Who are the favorites to reach the final four and beyond?
Le Moyne Dolphins
The undefeated Dolphins are the clear team to beat in the North Region. Le Moyne went a perfect 16-0 this season, including winning the NE-10 regular season and tournament titles. Their high-powered offense is led by attackman Joey Pezzimenti, who had six goals in the conference championship game. Can anyone in the North match up with Le Moyne?
Rollins Tars
Rollins earned the top seed in the South after a dominant 15-1 campaign. The Tars’ only loss came against fellow tournament team Tampa. With a balanced offensive attack and stingy defense, Rollins looks primed for a deep run. Will home field advantage propel them to Philadelphia?
Other Contenders
While Le Moyne and Rollins are the favorites, several other teams have championship aspirations:
- Mercyhurst – The Lakers went 14-2 and have championship pedigree as 2011 NCAA winners
- Limestone – Always a threat, the Saints have won 3 of the last 8 D-II titles
- Adelphi – The Panthers have reached 4 straight final fours
- Tampa – The Spartans are battle-tested from the competitive Sunshine State Conference
Players to Watch
The Division II tournament features some of the top lacrosse talent in the country. Which players could make a major impact?
Joey Pezzimenti – Le Moyne
The senior attackman was named NE-10 Player of the Year after racking up 54 goals and 28 assists. Pezzimenti powers Le Moyne’s high-scoring offense and will be key to their title hopes.
Zach Lorenz – Rollins
Lorenz does it all for the Tars, leading the team in goals (46), assists (36), and ground balls (77). The senior midfielder earned Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year honors.
Jack Rooney – Limestone
The Saints’ senior goalie was named Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year. Rooney’s .619 save percentage ranks third nationally – can he lead Limestone on another title run?
Trenton Russo – Mercy
Russo powered Mercy’s offense with 56 goals and 27 assists en route to ECC Offensive Player of the Year. The junior attackman will look to continue his scoring prowess in the tournament.
Road to Philadelphia
The Division II semifinals and championship game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. How will the tournament unfold to determine which teams advance to the final four?
After the first round on May 10th, the quarterfinals will take place on May 14th at campus sites. The winners will move on to the semifinals on May 21st, also hosted by the higher seeds. This format gives the top teams a chance to play at home as they pursue a spot in the championship.
The semifinals on May 21st will determine the two teams that advance to play for the national title in Philadelphia on May 28th. What kind of matchup might we see in the championship game? Some intriguing potential finals include:
- Le Moyne vs Rollins – A clash of the top seeds and only remaining unbeaten team
- Le Moyne vs Limestone – The Dolphins seeking their first title against the 3-time champion Saints
- Mercyhurst vs Tampa – A battle of conference tournament champions
Regardless of who makes it, the Division II final promises to be an exciting showcase of the nation’s top teams and players. Which squad will emerge victorious and hoist the trophy in Philadelphia?
Championship Weekend in Philadelphia
The Division II title game is part of a full weekend of NCAA lacrosse championships at Lincoln Financial Field. What else is on tap for lacrosse fans in Philly?
The Division II final kicks off championship Sunday on May 28th at 1:00 PM. It will be followed by the Division III championship at 4:00 PM. Both games will be streamed live on NCAA.com.
The main event is the Division I Final Four, featuring semifinal games on Saturday, May 27th and the national championship on Monday, May 29th. The DI semis and final will be broadcast on ESPN2.
In addition to the on-field action, the weekend includes a fan fest with interactive exhibits, skills challenges, and vendor displays. Youth tournaments and clinics will also take place around the Philadelphia area.
For lacrosse enthusiasts, it’s a full weekend celebrating the sport at all levels. The Division II final provides a great showcase for the high level of play and parity in DII lacrosse.
Economic Impact on Philadelphia
Hosting the NCAA lacrosse championships is a major boost for Philadelphia’s economy. How much revenue does the event generate for the city?
According to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, championship weekend is expected to bring in nearly $24 million in economic impact. This includes spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other tourism activities.
The influx of lacrosse fans provides a kickoff to the summer tourism season in Philadelphia. Many visitors extend their stay to explore the city’s historical sites, museums, and other attractions.
Local businesses, particularly those near Lincoln Financial Field, see a significant uptick in customers during the championship games. Bars, restaurants, and shops in South Philadelphia benefit from the crowds attending the games.
The economic benefits, along with Philadelphia’s central location and strong lacrosse culture, have helped the city become a regular host for NCAA championships. This year begins a two-year commitment to hold the event at Lincoln Financial Field.
Beyond the immediate impact, hosting high-profile sporting events enhances Philadelphia’s reputation as a destination for major competitions. This can lead to future opportunities to host NCAA championships and other marquee events.
Growth of Division II Lacrosse
The Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship is a showcase for the continued growth and competitiveness of DII lacrosse. How has the sport developed at this level?
In recent years, Division II has seen an expansion in the number of schools sponsoring men’s lacrosse. This has increased geographic diversity and created new rivalries. The sport has grown particularly in the South and Midwest regions.
The level of play in Division II continues to improve, with many teams and players capable of competing with Division I programs. Several DII stars have gone on to successful professional careers in Major League Lacrosse and the Premier Lacrosse League.
Parity in Division II lacrosse has increased, leading to more competitive games and unpredictable tournament results. While traditional powers like Limestone and Le Moyne remain strong, new contenders regularly emerge.
The exposure from playing the championship game as part of NCAA championship weekend provides a boost for Division II lacrosse. It allows a national audience to see the high quality of play at this level.
As the sport continues to grow across the country, Division II lacrosse is positioned to attract more talented players and expand its fan base. The competitive balance and opportunity for success make it an attractive option for student-athletes.
The 2023 championship tournament demonstrates the depth and quality of Division II lacrosse. From undefeated top seeds to potential Cinderella stories, the stage is set for an exciting road to Philadelphia.
Division II Men’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Revealed
Division II Men’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Revealed | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Division II Men’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Revealed
Sun May 7 2023 | Press Release | College
College Men Division II
PHOTO BY RICH BARNES
Joey Pezzimenti had six goals and one assist in Le Moyne’s 12-8 win over Bentley in the NE-10 title game.
INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Committee has selected the teams that will compete in the 2023 NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship.
The championship provides for a 12-team tournament. Six teams from each of the two regions (North and South) are selected to participate in the men’s lacrosse championship. Except for the championship game, all games will be played on the campus of one of the competing teams. First round competition is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10.
The first round sites and team matchups are as follows:
NORTH REGION
(1) Le Moyne (16-0) – Bye
(4) *Bentley (10-5) vs. (5) Adelphi (15-3)
(2) Mercyhurst (14-2) – Bye
(3) *Mercy (14-3) vs. (6) St. Anselm (9-4)
SOUTH REGION
(1) Rollins (15-1) – Bye
(4) *Tampa (13-3) vs. (5) Lenoir-Rhyne (14-3)
(2) Limestone (15-4) – Bye (3)
(3) *Wingate (12-2) vs. (6) UIndy (11-3)
* Denotes host institution.
And here’s the SOUTH REGION. pic.twitter.com/OzWyxA1cF4
— USA Lacrosse Magazine (@USALacrosseMag) May 7, 2023
The eight remaining teams will play in the quarterfinals on Sunday, May 14. The winners of the quarterfinals will advance to the semifinals on Sunday, May 21.
This year’s finalists will advance to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the championship game at Lincoln Financial Field, which will be played at 1 p.
m. Eastern time, Sunday, May 28, and shown via web stream on NCAA.com. The Division III championship will follow at 4 p.m. Eastern time, which can also be seen on NCAA.com. The Division I semifinals and championship are Saturday, May 27 and Monday, May 29 at the same site. For more information about the NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Championship, go to NCAA.com.
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How to watch this Memorial Day weekend
While a good portion of the region looks to head out of town to kick off Philly’s unofficial start of summer, thousands plan to flock into the city for a weekend of NCAA college championships.
Philadelphia will once again be the mecca of the college lacrosse world as the NCAA men’s lacrosse championships return to Lincoln Financial Field, the first in a two-year commitment to bring its championship weekend to South Philly.
» READ MORE: After it nearly took his life, this is what the sport of lacrosse has taught Penn midfielder Sam Handley
According to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, this weekend is anticipated to bring in close to $24 million in revenue to the city. Alongside lacrosse, the NCAA rowing championships will begin just over the bridge in Pennsauken, at the Camden County Boathouse along the Cooper River, the same location where the Dad Vail Regatta took place earlier this month.
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This year, the NCAA lacrosse championships will host the semifinal and championship games in Division I and the title games for both Division II and Division III teams.
For those coming to the city, here’s what to expect.
Which teams are playing this weekend?
The Division I semifinals feature No. 5 seeded Penn State taking on top-seeded Duke in the early game Saturday (noon, ESPN+), followed by No. 3 Notre Dame against No. 2 Virginia at 2:30 p.m. The winners will play in the championship game on Memorial Day (1 p.m., NCAA.com).
Sunday is championship day for D-II and D-III teams. No. 2 Mercyhurst will face No. 5 Lenoir-Rhyne at 1 p.m. (NCAA.com). Should be interesting considering that Lenoir-Rhyne is the first No. 5 seed to make it to championship weekend. The late game features an undefeated team from Tufts (22-0) taking on Salisbury (Md.) College (4 p.m., NCAA.com).
Any locals to look out for?
A ton. In fact among the eight teams taking part, there are 37 players across various rosters who hail from the Philadelphia region.
Among the locals….
Unsurprising: Penn State has the most area natives with 16 on its roster.
Surprising: Salisbury (Md.), comes in a distant second with five players on the roster.
Interesting: Salisbury also features a pair of brothers, Michael and Matthew Clibanoff of Ambler who both attended La Salle College High School.
Refreshing: There are three local players on North Carolina-based Lenoir-Rhyne, one of whom is a USILA first-team All-American in Bryce Reese, a senior from Mount Laurel and a Lenape High School alum.
Homecoming: Penn State junior midfielder Brent McVicker is from Maryland but is a transfer who formerly played at Drexel and was a key piece of the Dragons’ run to the Colonial Athletic Association championship in 2021.
Did you know? Drexel will serve as the host of the NCAA lacrosse championships this year and next.
Are there tickets still available?
There are, a couple of options to select from, although many of the seats for these games have already hit the secondary market.
There are the all-session tickets, which offer all five games over the course of three days, and according to secondary ticket vendor StubHub, tickets start at $86. There are also options to buy tickets for Saturday’s Division I semifinal games or Monday’s championship game.
If you really have some cash to burn, the NCAA through its partner “On Location” is marketing its “fan experience ticket,” which in addition to a ticket to Monday’s final is said to offer an open bar with snacks, private entrance into the Linc, and a photo opportunity with the national championship trophy. Tickets start at $185 per person.
What’s the best way to get to Lincoln Financial Field?
Start by just calling it the “Linc,” which is accessible from all points of I-95 by getting off at either the Packer Avenue exit or the Broad Street exit and making your way southeast. Or from Center City take the scenic route and just head down Broad Street South.
Now, for those who like an adventure or plan to stay in a Center City hotel, our tip is to simply jump on the SEPTA Broad Street Line headed south and get off at the very last stop, NRG Station.
