GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (May 7, 2026) – Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference champion Wilmington University has advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament. Wilmington earned a 15-11 victory over fellow CACC member Dominican University New York on Thursday on the campus of Adelphi University.

The Wildcats (19-2), the No. 4 seed in the East Region, picked up the first NCAA Tournament victory in program history. Wilmington defeated the No. 5 seed Chargers for the second time in six days after having gotten past DUNY on May 2 for the CACC championship. The Wildcats move on to face No. 1 seed Adelphi, the Northeast 10 Conference champion, on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Garden City. Adelphi (13-4) is ranked No. 11 and Wilmington No. 25 in the most recent national Division II coaches poll.

Thursday’s game was tied, 9-9, after three periods. CACC Player of the Year Ella Royer gave Wilmington the lead for good when she scored twice 39 seconds apart, the latter with 11:13 to play, The Wildcats went on to outscore Dominican, 6-2, during the fourth quarter. Royer finished with seven goals and an assist and teammate Kirra Crowley had five points. Madison Mileti led DUNY (14-5) with five goals and two assists.

Saturday’s winner will play in the East Region final (national quarterfinal) at the site of the highest remaining seed.

Founded in 1961, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference has been affiliated with NCAA Division II for 20 years. Conference institutions compete for championships in 17 sports – seven for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 11 full members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.