MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- The top-seeded UMass Minutewomen and second-seeded Akron Zips will battle for the 2026 Mid-American Conference Women's Lacrosse Tournament Title on Saturday, May 2 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+ from Joe Walton Stadium in Moon Township, Pa. 

UMass (15-2, 7-0 MAC) defeated fourth-seeded Robert Morris (6-12, 3-4 MAC) with a final score of 14-5 on Thursday to advance to its first ever MAC lacrosse championship match. The Minutewomen secured the victory with 11 unassisted goals and a strong defensive performance, limiting the Colonials to just five goals. 

The Minutewomen began the first quarter with a strong defensive stand, forcing a turnover by Robert Morris early on. After multiple turnovers from both teams, Katie Peterson capitalized on a free position attempt at 10:35, scoring the first goal of the game. The Minutewomen continued their momentum with goals from Katie Onderdonk and Kassidy Morris, who netted two goals at 8:17 and 6:17, respectively. With further contributions from Ava Connaughton and another goal by Onderdonk assisted by Morris, UMass ended the quarter leading 6-0 while effectively controlling draw controls and maintaining an aggressive offense.

Akron (12-4, 6-1 MAC) edged out Eastern Michigan with a 10-9 victory in double overtime in the second semifinal match on Thursday. This win helped Akron advance the championship game for the second-straight year, as they aim to defend their title as reigning champs. The Zips' defense made a significant impact with 20 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers.

Sienna Hinchcliffe found the back of the net at 4-minute mark of the second overtime to secure the victory, marking her 74th goal of the season.