The common saying, “defense wins championships,” resonates heavily with the 2026 Ithaca College men’s lacrosse team. The Bombers have leaned into the mantra for their defense, “system over matchup,” and it has paid off, earning the No. 22 spot in the national Division III rankings and the No. 12 spot in the USA Lacrosse Magazine for the week of April 12. 

The Ithaca College men’s lacrosse team upset the No. 15 St. Lawrence University Saints 14-5 March 28 at Higgins Stadium, ending a seven-year losing streak to the Liberty League rivals. The Bombers’ defense denied the Saints any fighting chance in the second half, allowing just a single goal.