Women’s Lacrosse Adds Another Final Four Chapter in 2026

The 2026 season for Pace University Women’s Lacrosse was another reminder of what the program has become.

A national contender. A postseason standard. A team built to play deep into May.

Three years after capturing the NCAA Division II National Championship, the Setters once again found themselves on the biggest stage in the country, reaching the NCAA Semifinals for the second time in program history and closing the year with a 16-6 overall record.

The road there was not simple. Pace opened the season against a demanding schedule, facing ranked opponents, regional contenders and several teams with postseason expectations. The early tests gave the Setters a chance to sharpen their identity before the heart of Northeast 10 Conference play arrived. By the time the regular season hit its final stretch, Pace had found its rhythm.

The Blue and Gold closed the regular season with eight straight wins, storming through league play behind a complete team effort. Pace finished 8-1 in the NE10, collecting key victories over Saint Anselm, Southern New Hampshire, Assumption, Bentley, Saint Michael’s and American International while positioning itself near the top of one of the toughest conferences in Division II.

By the time the regular season hit its final stretch, Pace had found its rhythm.

Then came the postseason. Pace advanced back to the NE10 Championship game, earning another shot at top-ranked Adelphi. The Setters came up just short in the conference final, falling by one goal, but the loss did not define the season. Instead, it set the stage for another opportunity.

Selected as the second seed in the NCAA East Region, Pace opened the national tournament at Northwell Stadium against Mercy. In a one-goal battle, the Setters found a way to survive and advance, earning a 13-12 victory to move into the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Waiting there was Adelphi again.

This time, on the road, Pace delivered one of its biggest performances of the season. The Setters went into Garden City and took down Adelphi, 16-12, punching their ticket back to championship weekend and proving once again that the Blue and Gold belonged among the final teams standing.

The win sent Pace to the NCAA Semifinals for the second time in program history.

The win sent Pace to the NCAA Semifinals for the second time in program history.

The Setters run eventually came to a close against Florida Southern, but the message of the season had already been made clear: Pace was still one of the premier programs in the country.

The individual recognition followed the team success. Doty was named NE10 Midfielder of the Year and earned IWLCA First Team All-American honors after putting together one of the most complete seasons in the nation. Kulo also earned IWLCA First Team All-American recognition, while Sheehan landed on the Second Team after leading the offense with her playmaking ability.

By the end of the year, Pace had collected 12 All-NE10 selections, seven IWLCA All-Region honorees, four USA Lacrosse All-Americans, three IWLCA All-Americans and six CSC Academic All-District selections. The honors reflected the depth of a roster that produced at every level, from the attack to the midfield, the draw circle, the defensive end and the classroom.

The run showed more than talent. It showed the toughness and belief that have become the foundation of the program.

The 2026 season added another defining chapter to the rise of Pace Women’s Lacrosse.

A return to the NE10 Championship game, a gritty NCAA Tournament win at home and a statement victory over #1 Adelphi in the national quarterfinals all led the Setters back to championship weekend.

The run showed more than talent. It showed the toughness and belief that have become the foundation of the program.

Pace finished the year among the final four teams in Division II, proving once again that the Blue and Gold are not just chasing national success, they are firmly established among the country’s elite.

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