Notre Dame Lacrosse Battles Penn State in NCAA Quarterfinals

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – No. 10/8 Notre Dame is facing fifth-seeded Penn State in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals this Sunday, May 18, at 12 p.m. ET. The match will take place at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

The Irish aim to reach Championship Weekend for the third consecutive year after winning back-to-back NCAA Championships, defeating Duke in 2023 and Maryland in 2024.

Notre Dame has seen significant postseason success, reaching the quarterfinals in 13 of the last 15 NCAA tournaments. They have advanced to the finals four times, with their last two appearances coming in 2023 and 2024.

In their recent matchup against the second-ranked Ohio State, Notre Dame showcased their skill, dominating with a 15-6 victory. Chris Kavanagh led the attack with three goals and two assists, complemented by Jake Taylor, who also scored three times.

The Irish defense performed strongly, with senior faceoff specialist Will Lynch winning 17 of 23 faceoffs, contributing to their overall control. Goalkeeper Thomas Ricciardelli recorded 15 saves, further securing the win.

In the historical context, this will be the 22nd meeting between Notre Dame and Penn State, with the Irish leading the series 15-6. Notably, the two teams have not faced each other since 2014, making this encounter significant.

Chris Kavanagh, a standout for the Irish, is recognized as an eighth Tewaaraton Award Finalist, leading the team with 61 points this season. His contributions in NCAA Tournament games are record-setting, with 38 career points.

Sunday’s quarterfinal clash promises intensity as both teams aim for a coveted spot in the Championship Weekend.