Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse Heads to NCAA Tournament
The Rutgers women’s lacrosse team is making waves! They’ve earned a spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking an exciting time for the Scarlet Knights. Their first game kicks off against Princeton on May 8 at 2 p.m. in College Park, Maryland. If they win, they’ll face No. 3 seed Maryland two days later.
This year, six teams from the Big Ten are in the tournament, a new record for the conference. Alongside Rutgers, powerhouse teams like Northwestern and Maryland also made the cut.
Head coach Melissa Lehman said, “I have so much Rutgers pride. This team is very special.” Under her leadership, the Scarlet Knights have reached the tournament three times in six years. This achievement is a major turnaround from their only previous NCAA appearance in 44 years.
This season, Rutgers played one of the toughest schedules, finishing with 10 wins—all while battling top-ranked opponents. The squad had impressive victories, including a nail-biting win against then-No. 6 Michigan.
Star players stepped up this year. Five athletes received All-Big Ten honors: Katie Buck (First Team), Caroline Ling (Second Team), Gabby Mariani, Annalise Messina, and Kate Theofield (Freshman). Buck celebrated the team’s success, saying, “It’s such a special group. We overcame so much, and I’m proud of our hard work.”
Records fell this spring, too! Ling tied for the single-season points record with 90, while Buck set a new record for draw controls. Senior captain Lily Dixon notched both career and single-season assists records.
The enthusiasm is palpable on social media, with fans expressing their pride and excitement for what lies ahead. This year’s journey represents years of dedication and teamwork, culminating in a thrilling postseason opportunity.
As the team gears up for their first match, it’s clear they have both the talent and the determination to leave their mark in the tournament. With Rutgers now firmly on the national stage, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments in women’s lacrosse.
