Notre Dame vs. Cuse 15-7
Princeton vs. Duke 14-7
Princeton vs. Notre Dame 16-9
Semifinal Saturday
Princeton entered championship weekend as the top-seeded team, and proved why in the opening semifinal. The Tigers controlled the whole game, defeating Duke 14-7 to make their first appearance in the national championship since 2001. Princeton’s balanced offense and disciplined defense proved too much for the Blue Devils, who struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Notre Dame faced off against Syracuse in a heavyweight ACC matchup. After a close first half, the Irish took control and pulled away for a 15-7 win. Notre Dame’s star defenseman and Tewaaraton winner, Shawn Lyght, held Orange star Joey Spallina scoreless, forcing Syracuse into uncomfortable matchups. Lyght was the first defenseman to win the Tewaaraton Award.
Championship Game
The Irish went into the final game searching for their 3rd national championship in four years. Notre Dame felt no pressure as they went on an early run to lead 3-0. But that would be short-lived, as Princeton went on one of the most dominant runs in championship history. They scored 11 unanswered goals, putting an end to the Irish’s hopes of another win. Notre Dame wouldn't go down without a fight, however, scoring another 6 before losing 16-9.
Princeton ended their 25-year championship drought, with Nate Kabiri and Chad Palumbo making the program relevant again. The duo combined for 166 points on the season, and finished with a national championship.
The title run proved many things for the Tigers. They are a complete package, capable of shutting down the best offenses and scoring on the best defenses, and a force to be reckoned with.
Yiorgos '27
Journalism Student
