BENEDICTINE CLAIMS 2026 HEART WOMEN’S LACROSSE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Presented by 516 Sports Capital
No. 1 nationally ranked Benedictine College (16-0) secured the 2026 Heart of America Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament Championship on Saturday, defeating No. 2 seed Missouri Baptist University in dominant fashion, 20-4.
The Ravens controlled the match from the opening draw, jumping out to a 3-0 lead before closing the first quarter on a 4-0 run to take a 7-0 advantage. Benedictine continued its momentum into the second quarter, extending the lead to 11-0 before Missouri Baptist found the back of the net just before halftime.
Benedictine maintained its control throughout the second half, outscoring the Spartans 9-3 over the final 30 minutes to secure the tournament title. The Ravens' balanced attack and defensive pressure proved too much, as they completed a sweep of conference opponents across both the regular season and postseason.
Missouri Baptist advanced to the championship game after earning the No. 2 seed in the tournament and securing a semifinal victory to reach the final.
With the win, Benedictine claims the Heart Women's Lacrosse Tournament Championship and earns the conference's automatic bid to the NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Championship.
The NAIA Women's Lacrosse Selection Show will take place on Monday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. CT.
The 6th annual NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Championship will be held May 11–15 at the Jack Allen Sports Complex in Decatur, Alabama.
