WILLIAM PENN CLAIMS 2026 HEART MEN'S LACROSSE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Presented by 516 Sports Capital
No. 2 seeded and No. 8 nationally ranked, William Penn University secured the 2026 Heart of America Men's Lacrosse Conference Tournament Championship on Saturday, defeating No. 1 seed Benedictine College, 15-10.
The two sides traded blows early, with both offenses finding rhythm in a high-scoring opening quarter. William Penn and Benedictine each tallied six goals in the first frame, setting the tone for a tightly contested championship matchup.
The Statesmen began to create separation in the second quarter, holding Benedictine to just two goals while adding a pair of their own to take an 8-8 tie into halftime.
William Penn took control coming out of the break, delivering the decisive stretch of the game in the third quarter. The Statesmen erupted for six goals while limiting the Ravens to just one, turning a deadlocked contest into a commanding 14-9 advantage heading into the final period.
From there, William Penn's defense and goalkeeper play sealed the result, allowing just one fourth-quarter goal while adding an insurance score to secure the 15-10 victory. The Statesmen finished with 45 total shots, including 24 on goal, and were backed by a strong 13-save performance in the cage.
Despite being edged in ground balls and faceoffs, William Penn capitalized on key possessions and limited mistakes, committing just two failed clears while forcing 32 Benedictine turnovers.
Benedictine advanced to the championship game as the tournament's No. 1 seed after an undefeated run through conference play, but could not overcome William Penn's second-half surge.
With the win, William Penn claims the 2026 Heart Men's Lacrosse Conference Tournament Championship and earns the conference's automatic bid to the NAIA Men's Lacrosse National Championship.
The NAIA Men's Lacrosse Selection Show is scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
The 2nd annual NAIA Men's Lacrosse National Championship will be held May 12–16 at the Jack Allen Sports Complex in Decatur, Alabama.
