Women's DIII Preview

Reigning champion Yale returns as the East’s top seed in Women’s Division III. The Bulldogs rode the momentum of a second-round upset of 2023 champion Endicott to the title last year. They’ve gone up against Endicott three times this spring, The April 12th rematch at the final of the North Atlantic qualifier went to the Gulls, 17-12. 

If Yale and Endicott are to meet again, it won’t be until Sunday’s final, as Endicott is the top seed in the West. The Gulls (18-1-1) have been nearly unbeatable this spring. Their only losses were to Roger Williams and D1 UConn. Between 15s and 7s, Endicott is chasing its fourth national title in three years this weekend.

Players to Watch

Yale’s Lael Joseph is the returning MVP and a physical mismatch for smaller defenders, with length that helps with fends, offloads and restarts. And the speed to gash defenses.

Four-time All-American Tess Merril has a similar skillset as Joseph, plus a knack for running over defenders and a nose for finishing tries. If the Gulls win, she’ll add a fourth national title to add to her resume, to boot.

Piper Lee is an explosive talent from the Colorado School of Mines. Pace, a hot step and the power to fight off tacklers makes her a threat to score from anywhere on the pitch. 

Cinderella Candidate

MiraCosta College from Oceanside, CA is one of five programs in Women’s DIII making its CRC debut. The Spartans play a physical style of 7s, and if they can control the ball, they could be a tough out for the defending champs in the opening round.