The Virginia Cavaliers men's lacrosse team has had a season that feels like two in one—and now, they're ready for the main event. After a rollercoaster regular season, the 'Hoos enter the NCAA tournament as the fifth seed, earning a home-field advantage at Klockner Stadium. With a 10-6 overall record and a strong showing in the ACC Tournament—including a second win over No. 2-seeded Notre Dame and a dominant 16-6 victory over North Carolina—this team is brimming with confidence. They believe they have what it takes to make a run to the semifinals on Memorial Day weekend.

Standing in their way are the Georgetown Hoyas, who earned an automatic bid as the Big East champions. At 10-4 overall, head coach Kevin Warne has his squad playing balanced, disciplined lacrosse. The Hoyas boast the 11th-best scoring offense and the 12th-best scoring defense in the nation. They've recorded quality wins over Albany, Denver, and Loyola, though they fell short against tournament-caliber teams like Notre Dame, Richmond, and Syracuse.

Georgetown's offense is spearheaded by a dynamic brother duo: Liam Connor (21 goals, 51 assists) and Rory Connor (50 goals, 13 assists). The Connors made waves last season at Colgate and have carried that momentum into 2026, forming one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the country. Defensively, the Hoyas are anchored by junior goalie Anderson Moore, who averages 12 saves per game at a solid 56% clip. Moore has been a key factor in Georgetown holding opponents under double-digit goals in their last three outings.

For Virginia, the turning point has been the stabilization of the goalie position. Air Force transfer Marek has elevated his play in his final college season, posting some of the best numbers of his career. He was nothing short of spectacular in the ACC title game, stopping 76% of North Carolina's shots for a total of 16 saves—a stat line that's as impressive as it sounds. If Marek can continue that level of play, the 'Hoos have a legitimate chance to make a deep run.

This first-round matchup promises to be a thriller. The Cavaliers and Hoyas are set to face off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU. With two well-coached, battle-tested teams ready to leave it all on the field, expect a physical, fast-paced contest that could come down to the wire. Whether you're a die-hard lacrosse fan or just getting into the sport, this is a game you won't want to miss.