It’s that time of year again. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse team is gearing up for another shot at a national championship, and the message is clear: it's time to be great.
Let’s be honest, it’s been a whirlwind season. From the heart-pounding wins over Duke and North Carolina to the tough loss against Virginia, this team has shown us everything. So, let’s break down what made this regular season one for the books.
First, the defense has been nothing short of stifling. Thomas Ricciardelli has emerged as one of the top goalies in college lacrosse, earning ACC Goalie of the Year honors. Alongside him, Shawn Lyght was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and the entire defensive unit—including the short-stick defensive midfielders—has solidified itself as a force to be reckoned with.
On the offensive end, the Irish have found their rhythm. Max Busenkell exploded onto the scene with his first goals of the season, turning in a hat trick against Syracuse. Meanwhile, Josh Yago and Luke Miller have been leading the charge in scoring, while the third-line midfield has started logging meaningful minutes.
And let’s not forget the faceoff dot. Tyler Spano has become a legitimate weapon there, giving Notre Dame crucial possessions in tight games. Christian Alacqua and Will Gallagher have been playing like true captains, refusing to back down from anyone.
The results speak for themselves: Notre Dame won the regular season ACC championship, finished 10-1, and earned the No. 1 ranking in the country. Coach Corrigan was named ACC Coach of the Year, and Will Donovan and Matt Jeffery joined Ricciardelli and Lyght on the All-ACC team.
But the road to the title won’t be easy. The Irish enter the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 seed, and their first opponent will be the winner of Jacksonville vs. Robert Morris. The game is set for Sunday, May 10, at noon at Arlotta Stadium.
For fans, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. The energy is electric, and the gear is ready. Whether you’re watching from the stands or cheering from home, now’s the time to show your Irish pride. Let’s dance, indeed.
