RIT Tigers Face Tufts for D-III Lacrosse Championship

After defeating the second-ranked team in the country, the RIT Tigers are one win away from their third national championship in six years.

The Tigers earned their spot in Sunday's Division III title game with an impressive 16-12 victory over Bowdoin in the semifinals. Junior David Charney led the charge with four goals, while sophomore Ryan Sanders added five more in a commanding team effort.

This marks RIT's 16th straight year making the NCAA tournament, a streak that started back in 2010. The Tigers have dominated during that stretch, posting a 46-13 record in tournament play and reaching the championship game six times.

The matchup pits two powerhouse programs against each other at the University of Virginia's Scott Stadium. Junior Erich Acton, named Liberty League Offensive Player of the Year, leads RIT with 58 goals and 92 total points this season. Ryan Sanders isn't far behind with 66 goals of his own.

Top-ranked Tufts brings an impressive resume, having won back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025. The Jumbos crushed Wesleyan 23-7 in their semifinal, with senior Jack Regnery scoring seven goals. Tufts leads all of Division III with 658 points scored this season.

Why This Inspires

These two programs represent the best of Division III athletics. RIT and Tufts have combined to win four of the last five national championships, showcasing consistent excellence and dedication. Both teams develop student-athletes who balance rigorous academics with championship-level competition.

The Tigers' 16-year tournament streak demonstrates the power of building a winning culture. Players graduate, but the commitment to excellence continues, creating opportunities for new students to chase their championship dreams year after year.

For RIT, this game represents a chance to reclaim the title they held just four years ago. The Tigers know what it takes to win, having defeated these same Jumbos twice during their 2021 and 2022 championship runs.

Championship Sunday will showcase the dedication, teamwork, and pure athletic talent that make college sports inspiring to watch.