ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The postseason journey continues for UMass women's lacrosse as the Minutewomen open NCAA Tournament play Friday afternoon against Navy Midshipmen women's lacrosse in Annapolis, Maryland.

Fresh off capturing both the 2026 MAC regular season and tournament championships, UMass enters the national tournament with a 16-2 overall record and plenty of momentum after dominant wins over Robert Morris and Akron during championship weekend. The Minutewomen outscored their two MAC Tournament opponents 29-8 and have now earned NCAA Tournament appearances in back-to-back seasons under head coach Jana Drummond.



Friday’s matchup presents one of the toughest tests of the season. Navy enters the tournament as the No. 6 national seed with an 18-1 record and will host the opening weekend at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Midshipmen claimed the Patriot League title and are making their ninth NCAA Tournament appearance.

UMass has leaned on a balanced attack throughout the spring, led by First Team All-MAC attacker Dylan Lyons and a defense anchored by MAC Defensive Player of the Year Bridget Valentine. The Minutewomen defense has been especially sharp entering postseason play, allowing just eight combined goals during the MAC Championship.

Navy counters with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, led by standout attacker Alyssa Chung, who has totaled 72 goals and 102 points this season. The Midshipmen’s only loss came earlier this spring against Loyola.

The winner of Friday’s first-round contest will advance to Sunday’s second round to face the winner of the matchup between Syracuse Orange women's lacrosse and Loyola Greyhounds women's lacrosse.

Opening draw is set for 3 p.m. Friday on ESPN+.