The NCAA men's lacrosse tournament is officially down to eight teams, and what a wild ride the first round turned out to be. While most of the action followed the script, a few seismic upsets have already reshaped the championship picture. Let's break down the biggest winners and losers from an unforgettable weekend on the field.
Winner: Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
The most dramatic finish of the tournament belonged to unseeded Johns Hopkins, who traveled to Ithaca and stunned defending champion Cornell 9-8 in overtime. Trailing 6-3 at halftime, the Blue Jays leaned on a stifling defensive effort that held the Big Red to just two goals after the break. The game couldn't be decided in regulation, but Jimmy Ayers played hero in overtime, finishing a feed from Matt Collison to complete the comeback. For a program with deep lacrosse roots, this victory proves they're still a force when it matters most.
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
Duke barely sneaked into the field as the last at-large selection, but they played like a team with nothing to lose. The Blue Devils scored the final five goals of the game to rally past fourth-seeded Richmond 14-12. Cal Gerard was a monster at the faceoff X, winning 21 of 27 draws, but Duke still found themselves down 12-9 in the fourth quarter. That's when they turned up the heat, wearing down the Spiders' defense. Liam Kershis delivered a career-best five points (three goals, two assists) to lead the charge. Sometimes, it's not how you start—it's how you finish.
Winner: Syracuse Orange
In a game that felt like a rollercoaster, Syracuse outlasted Yale 16-15 in a wild shootout. The Orange built a four-goal cushion in the fourth quarter, only to watch the Bulldogs storm back. But goalie Jimmy McCool slammed the door with two huge saves in the final minute to preserve the win. Finn Thomson led a balanced attack with three goals and two assists, proving that depth and composure under pressure are the hallmarks of a championship contender.
Loser: Cornell Big Red
The defending champions lost significant star power from their 2025 title run, and it showed against a hungry Johns Hopkins squad. As a No. 7 seed, Cornell drew a brutal matchup, but being sent home early in their own building stings. The Big Red's offense went quiet in the second half, and they couldn't find an answer for Hopkins' defensive adjustments. For a program used to deep runs, this exit is a tough pill to swallow.
Loser: Richmond Spiders
The Spiders had Duke on the ropes, leading 12-9 in the fourth quarter with a chance to make a statement. But they couldn't close the deal, allowing the Blue Devils to score five unanswered goals. Richmond's offense went cold at the worst possible time, and their defense couldn't withstand Duke's relentless pressure. For a No. 4 seed, this is a missed opportunity that will linger.
With the quarterfinals set, the road to the championship just got a whole lot more interesting. Whether your team is still in the hunt or already looking ahead to next season, one thing's for sure: lacrosse fans are in for a treat. Gear up for the next round with the latest performance apparel, and wear your pride on your sleeve.