2025 Patriot League Tournament Preview: Navy vs. Army in Semifinal Clash
The 2025 Patriot League Tournament heats up as the No. 21 Navy women’s lacrosse team prepares to face rival No. 19 Army in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore, Maryland, this contest showcases two formidable teams, both with impressive season records. The game will be available for live viewing on ESPN+ and will also be aired on WNAV.
Patriot League Tournament Insights
This year marks Navy’s 17th appearance in the Patriot League Tournament, having qualified for every season since joining the league in 2008. The Midshipmen carry an all-time tournament record of 22 wins and 10 losses, boasting six conference titles. Notably, they have triumphed in 12 of their 15 semifinal appearances, including seven of the last eight.
The victor of this semifinal will compete in the championship game against the winner of the matchup between top-seeded Loyola and fourth-seeded Holy Cross. Historically, Navy has a balanced record of 6-6 in conference championship games.
All-Patriot League Highlights
Recently, six Midshipmen were honored in the 2025 All-Patriot League Team, with four earning first-team selections: Alyssa Chung (attack), Emily Messinese (attack), Mikayla Williams (midfield), and Alyssa Daley (defense). Notably, Chung was also named the 2025 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, making this her second consecutive honor for the program and its fourth overall in history.
The All-Patriot League selection saw a total of 34 student-athletes recognized, showcasing talent across all ten teams in the league. Loyola led with seven selections, while Navy followed closely with six.
Academic Achievements
Navy’s excellence extends to academics as well, with Tori DiCarlo named the 2025 Women’s Lacrosse Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Alongside Grace Peterson, who was also selected to the Academic All-Patriot League Team, DiCarlo’s recognition marks her second consecutive year receiving this honor, showcasing her academic prowess.
Head-to-Head History
The upcoming game will be the 13th meeting between Navy and Army, with Navy holding an 8-4 advantage overall and a 2-1 record in Patriot League Tournament matchups. Notably, the Midshipmen emerged victorious in last season’s contest, defeating Army 17-11 in Annapolis.
Scouting the Midshipmen
Navy enters this semifinal after a commanding 19-2 victory against Lehigh in the quarterfinals, where the team showcased its depth with ten players contributing goals. The Midshipmen have recorded a total of 288 goals this season, with leading scorers Alyssa Chung and Emily Messinese racking up 73 and 64 points, respectively. Chung, in particular, has achieved remarkable success, including multiple goals in all nine Patriot League games this season.
Defensively, Navy has proven its strength, causing 139 turnovers and causing 69 unsuccessful clear attempts by opponents. Goalkeeper Felicia Giglio stands out with 118 saves this season, demonstrating her crucial role in the team’s performance.
Scouting the Opposition
Army carries a strong season record of 13-2 and has been equally successful in the league with an 8-1 mark. Key players include Allison Reilly and Brigid Duffy, both of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s offensive statistics. Reilly has accumulated 93 points this season, while Duffy leads in goals and various defensive statistics, proving to be a dual threat.
National Rankings
Navy currently holds the 21st spot in the IWLCA Coaches Poll and is positioned at 22nd in the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll, reflecting the team’s competitive edge this season. Meanwhile, both Loyola and Army are ranked among the top 20, highlighting the strength of competition within the league.
Looking Ahead
Should Navy secure a win over Army, they will advance to the Patriot League Championship game, slated for 2:30 p.m. at Ridley Athletic Complex. This exciting matchup will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with live statistics available for fans following the action.
