Great Danes Sweep America East Titles, Move on to NCCA Tournament
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2026) — UAlbany’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are dancing once again.
The women’s team wrapped up another America East title Sunday, knocking off top-seeded Vermont 13-11 on the road to secure its second straight championship. A day earlier, the men captured their third consecutive title — and 12th overall — with a 14-11 victory over Vermont at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.
The men will face ACC power North Carolina in the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Saturday at noon. The game will air on ESPNU, with the winner advancing to next weekend’s quarterfinals.
The women will take on Johns Hopkins in the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship on Friday at 3 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s second round and a chance to reach the quarterfinals.
Men’s lacrosse claims 3rd straight title
UAlbany (11-5) rallied from an early deficit and took control in the second half to defeat Vermont, securing its third straight America East crown with a 14-11 victory over Vermont.
Ryan Doherty led the way with five goals and two assists, earning Most Outstanding Player honors, while Silas Richmond added four goals and three assists. Jackson Palumb chipped in three goals as the Great Danes placed consistent pressure on the Catamounts’ defense.
Trailing 6-5 at halftime and down three early in the third quarter, UAlbany surged behind Richmond, who scored three times in the period to help even the score. The Great Danes carried that momentum into the fourth, where Doherty’s highlight-reel, behind-the-back goal helped spark a decisive run.
Goalkeeper Brady Smith anchored the defensive effort with 13 saves, while UAlbany controlled key possessions down the stretch to seal the win and return to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year.
Women's lacrosse topples Vermont
The Great Danes (12-5) overcame a slow start and a hostile road environment to capture their second straight America East title — and fifth overall — with a 13-11 win over Vermont.
Paisley Cook was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after finishing with four goals, three assists and 11 draw controls. Mya Carroll added three goals and two assists, while Kloey Roos and Jaedyn Frink each scored twice.
After falling behind 5-1 in the second quarter, UAlbany responded with a sustained run to tie the game at halftime before taking control in the second half. Goals from Frink and Ravan Marsell helped build a lead, and the Great Danes held off a late Vermont push in the final minutes.
Delilah Mile led the defensive effort with four caused turnovers, and goalkeeper Grace Cincebox recorded five saves as UAlbany closed out the win and punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.