NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament: Michigan vs. ND Tonight 8PM on ESPN+
The Michigan women's lacrosse team will take on rival Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at 8PM tonight.
This is the team's second appearance in the tournament, their first coming in 2019, but nevertheless a landmark achievement. And it's not an easy accomplishment: there are 118 teams in Division 1 and only 29 (weird #) teams qualify for the NCAA tournament. Michigan joined Division 1 in 2014 and have steadily improved since Hannah Nielsen joined the program. They went 10-6 this season and spent much of the season ranked. If they win tonight, they play the winner of Central Michigan/Northwestern on Sunday.
I feel bad because I never post about the women's team (it's a very different game from the men's sport and to be honest, I don't understand it nearly as well), but I thought this was noteworthy and deserving of a post. In fact, the women's game is incredibly fast, dynamic and exciting now and the girls are incredible athletes. And it's rapidly gaining in popularity.
I won't be able to watch but try to tune in if you have the + and/or send the team some good vibes. Go Ladies! BEAT ND! GO BLUE!!
Michigan 14 - Notre Dame 8. 11:16 left.
I love watching them! Need more pub! Thanks for posting.
After this will have a tough one vs. NW.
Michigan 17 - Notre Dame 8. 6:00 left.
They're pouring it on now.
In the last handful of years, the shot clock & constant motion rule changes have been massive improvements to the game making it faster & more exciting to watch
After watching my daughter play in high school I’ve really grown to like women’s lacrosse. I think it’s better than the men’s game. Wish this one was on tv.
Two of my nieces play (one for Davenport University and the other at an area high school) and I agree, women's LAX is a fantastic game and a load of fun to watch.
I feel the same after my daughter started playing in middle school then played in high school & has played some for Western Michigan. It's better than the men's version & feels like you're watching a different sport
The deeper pocket takes away a big skill component and I don’t think the increase in physical hitting with pads and helmets really adds anything. It’s like putting shoulder pads on a basketball player.
True - but the game used to be much more physical. When I first started playing the pads were pretty huge. Guys hardly wear any pads now, that's largely a product of the equipment - particularly sticks and helmets getting much lighter - but they've also made several rules changes that disfavor physical play (I would argue that it's a very important and strategic part of the game but that's for another post haha). It was fairly routine to see guys get lit up in games back in the day but it's pretty routine now.
You're right: it's unfortunately more like soccer or basketball now.
both of my daughters play in college. They didn’t start playing until 9th grade; play on the west coast (less opportunities here)—but it is such an awesome sport. I grew up softball girl—and huge fan of M softball/Hutch.. but M fans need to start jumping the M LAX bandwagon. They are a FUN !! team to watch, and have a coach from a hugely successful NW program.
GO BLUE!
Huge for the directors cup pts.
Tough draw vs NW tho
They’re playing great tho—NW is for sure tough, but Syracuse (also great) almost got beat yesterday.. so I’m hoping the big upset is in Chicago tomorrow!