Madonna (Mich.) overwhelms Cumberlands (Ky.) early, Advancing to the Semifinals in Decatur
DECATUR, Ala. – [Watch On-Demand] Madonna (Mich.) used a fast start and balanced offensive effort Tuesday morning at the Jack Allen Complex to defeat Cumberlands (Ky.), 23-12, in the opening round of the 2026 NAIA Men’s Lacrosse National Championship.
Madonna (19-1) built a 6-3 lead after the first quarter before taking control with an 8-1 advantage in the second period to carry a 14-4 lead into halftime. Cumberlands (9-8) responded with four goals in both the third and fourth quarters, but the Crusaders maintained separation throughout the second half.
Cumberlands stayed within reach early behind a three-goal quarter from Nathan Cook, while Madonna established offensive rhythm with quick scoring possessions and a man-up goal from Spencer Guppy. Madonna created separation in the second quarter, scoring eight times in the frame. Ross Preston directed the attack with efficient ball movement, while Guppy continued to capitalize offensively as the lead grew to double digits before halftime.
Cumberlands found more success offensively after the break with goals from Dom Lulow, Caden Abbott, and Johnny Simpson. Madonna answered consistently throughout the quarter, including two goals from Cooper Regimbal. Cumberlands outscored Madonna in the final quarter, but the deficit remained too large to overcome as the Crusaders closed out the win.
Key Performers
Madonna
- Spencer Guppy: 6 goals.
- Ross Preston: 2 goals and 6 assists.
- Cooper Regimbal: 4 goals.
- Jackson Gradstein: 2 goals and 1 assist.
- DeMario Williams and Dylan Hicks: 2 goals each.
Cumberlands
- Nathan Cook: 3 goals on eight shots.
- Dom Lulow: 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Caden Abbott: 2 goals.
- Will Rogers: 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Carter Barrett, Johnny Simpson and Alex Heck each added goals.
By the Numbers
- Ground balls: Madonna 48, Cumberlands 28.
- Shots: Madonna 51, Cumberlands 45.
- Shots on goal: Both teams finished with 31.
- Clearing: Madonna finished 15-for-15, while Cumberlands went 17-for-24.
- Saves: Both teams recorded eight saves.
With the win, Madonna is headed to the semifinals on Thursday, May 14. The Crusaders will take on the winner of Reinhardt (Ga.) and William Penn (Iowa) at 4 p.m.
