Cornell Ends Nearly 50-Year Title Drought with NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Win Over Maryland

The 2025 NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse championship marked a historic and emotional breakthrough for Cornell University. After a 48-year wait since their last title in 1977, the Cornell Big Red secured the national crown with a 13-10 victory against the Maryland Terrapins. This triumph not only ended a long-standing championship drought but also avenged their narrow loss to Maryland in the 2022 final.

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Setting the Stage: A Legacy of Rivalry and Near Misses

Cornell and Maryland have a deep-rooted lacrosse rivalry, frequently clashing in the NCAA tournament. Historically, Cornell claimed national titles in 1971 and 1976, while Maryland has been a dominant force in recent years, capturing multiple championships including the 2022 NCAA final, where they edged out Cornell 9-7. Cornell’s recent history has been marked by heartbreak, with the Big Red losing their last five championship game appearances, including an overtime defeat to Syracuse in 2009 and the close setback to Maryland in 2022. The 2025 matchup therefore carried immense emotional weight and represented an opportunity for redemption.

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Dominance on the Field: Game Highlights and Key Performers

The championship game, played in front of a roaring crowd of 32,512 at Gillette Stadium, saw the top-seeded Cornell Big Red display cohesive, high-octane lacrosse. CJ Kirst starred offensively, netting six goals, while Ryan Goldstein contributed four, providing the offensive firepower that proved decisive. Their combined effort helped Cornell outpace Maryland’s talented roster with a final score of 13-10.

Cornell’s control of the midfield was a critical factor. Key possessions, notably vital faceoffs in the closing moments, prevented Maryland from mounting a comeback, ensuring Cornell’s grip on the lead through the fourth quarter. The Big Red executed both offensively and defensively with maturity and precision, turning what once seemed like an elusive title into a conquering reality.

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Coaching and Program Development: The Rise Under Connor Buczek

The role of head coach Connor Buczek, a Cornell alum who took charge just before the abbreviated 2020 season, cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, Cornell has transformed into a perennial contender. Buczek has guided the team to two title game appearances in his four full seasons, learning from past defeats and instilling resilience and tactical discipline. This championship serves as a landmark in his coaching career and the program’s resurgence.

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Maryland’s Quest and Legacy

Maryland entered the final as the two-seed, possessing a rich history and recent prominence with four NCAA title game appearances in five years under coach John Tillman. Their 2022 victory was a statement of dominance and an undefeated season. Facing Cornell again, Maryland aimed to capture another crown but ultimately fell short, showcasing the fierce competitiveness and thin margins that define elite collegiate lacrosse.

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Broader Impact and Significance

Cornell’s championship is more than a victory on the scoreboard—it signifies a revival of tradition and the culmination of decades of dedication. The win resonates deeply with alumni, fans, and the lacrosse community at large, reinforcing Cornell’s place among the sport’s elite programs. Moreover, this match-up between two historically significant and undefeated teams created one of the most memorable NCAA championship games in recent memory, highlighted by intense competition and high fan engagement.

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Conclusion: A Triumph That Transcends Time

Cornell’s 13-10 victory over Maryland to claim the 2025 NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse national championship closes a nearly half-century chapter of frustration and near misses. Fueled by standout performances, strategic coaching, and emotional redemption, the Big Red’s win anchors a new era for the program. Beyond the scoreline, it reaffirms the spirit of college lacrosse—a sport where history, rivalry, resilience, and passion collide on the field to produce moments that inspire generations. The Cornell Big Red have not only reclaimed a title but have reignited a legacy that will echo well into the future.