What Is 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship was won by the University of Maryland, who defeated Washington College 18-15 in the final held on June 9, 1973. This was Maryland's first NCAA Division I title in men's lacrosse.

Key Facts

Maryland won the 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship with an 18-15 victory
The championship game was played on June 9, 1973
Washington College, an NCAA College Division (now Division III) team, reached the final as a surprise contender
The game was held at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland
Frank Urso of Maryland was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player

Overview

The 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship marked a pivotal moment in collegiate lacrosse history, as the University of Maryland claimed its first national title in the sport. The Terrapins defeated Washington College in a high-scoring final, 18-15, showcasing offensive firepower and resilience under pressure.

This championship was notable for the unexpected run of Washington College, a small liberal arts school competing against larger NCAA Division I programs. The game highlighted disparities in competition levels and sparked future discussions about tournament structure and divisional classifications.

June 9, 1973: The final was held at Byrd Stadium on the University of Maryland campus, drawing a significant crowd for a lacrosse event at the time.
18-15 scoreline: Maryland’s offense overwhelmed Washington College, with the Terrapins pulling away in the fourth quarter after a close contest.
First NCAA title: This victory marked Maryland’s first national championship in men’s lacrosse, laying the foundation for future success in the program.
Washington College’s Cinderella run: As a non-Division I school, their advancement to the final was unprecedented and remains one of the most surprising achievements in NCAA lacrosse history.
Frank Urso’s performance: The Maryland midfielder scored four goals in the final and was named Most Outstanding Player, cementing his legacy in college lacrosse.

How It Works

The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship operates through a structured tournament format that determines the national champion among collegiate teams. In 1973, the format included a small bracket of teams from different divisions, leading to cross-division matchups that are no longer permitted under current rules.

Eligibility: In 1973, NCAA allowed College Division (Division III) teams to compete in the Division I championship, enabling Washington College to qualify despite its smaller size.
Selection process: Teams were invited based on season performance and regional rankings, with limited at-large bids compared to today’s expanded field.
Tournament structure: The 1973 championship featured a four-team bracket, with semifinals and a final held over a single weekend.
Game duration: Matches consisted of four 15-minute quarters, with overtime used if necessary—though the final did not require extra time.
Scoring rules: Standard lacrosse rules applied, with each goal counting as one point; Maryland’s 18 goals remain one of the highest totals in championship history.
Player eligibility: Student-athletes had to maintain amateur status and meet NCAA academic standards, though regulations were less stringent than in later decades.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and modern tournaments:

Feature	1973 Championship	Modern NCAA Tournament (2023)
Number of Teams	4	16
Division Mixing	Allowed (D-III vs. D-I)	Not allowed
Championship Location	Byrd Stadium, College Park, MD	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Champion	Maryland (1st title)	Syracuse (11th title)
Final Score	Maryland 18, Washington College 15	Syracuse 10, Maryland 9 (OT)

The evolution of the tournament reflects changes in NCAA policy, athlete development, and media coverage. The 1973 format’s inclusivity allowed underdog stories, while today’s structured divisions ensure competitive balance. However, the excitement and prestige of winning the national title remain unchanged.

Why It Matters

The 1973 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship holds lasting significance in the sport’s history due to its unique circumstances and long-term impact on collegiate athletics. It demonstrated that smaller programs could compete at the highest level, even if briefly, and influenced future NCAA decisions on tournament access and divisional integrity.

Legacy of underdog success: Washington College’s run inspired smaller schools to invest in lacrosse programs and pursue national recognition.
Rule changes: The NCAA later restricted cross-division play in championships, ensuring fairer competition among peer institutions.
Maryland’s rise: The title marked the beginning of Maryland as a lacrosse powerhouse, leading to multiple championships in subsequent decades.
Media attention: The high-scoring final and David-vs-Goliath narrative increased national interest in college lacrosse.
Historical benchmark: The 18 goals scored by Maryland remain one of the highest totals in championship game history.
Player development: Stars like Frank Urso transitioned to professional leagues, helping grow the sport beyond college campuses.

The 1973 championship remains a landmark event, symbolizing both the unpredictability of sports and the evolving structure of collegiate competition. Its legacy endures in NCAA policy, team traditions, and fan memories.