Everything you need to know about the 2024 NCAA women’s lacrosse season

The GIST: Calling all lax rats! Women’s lacrosse is finally back in action today, so brush up on the game’s nuts and bolts, then meet this season’s early favorites to hoist some hardware.

Teams to know: Reigning champ No. 1 Northwestern is serious about netting back-to-back titles. With the bulk of their championship roster intact, including Tewaaraton Award winner (lacrosse’s MVP) Izzy Scane — the Caitlin Clark of women’s lax — and finalist Erin Coykendall, the Wildcats are beyond formidable.

• Standing in their way? No. 2 Boston College, who’ve made the last six straight (!!!) title games with just one natty to show for it. The frustration of falling short (plus their nine preseason All-Americans) could push them past the ’Cats. Karma’s a re-lax-ing thought.

• Other contenders include 2022 champ No. 3 UNC and No. 5 Syracuse, who reached last year’s semifinals after a 2023 season dominating the poll.

What to watch: This season begins with some bangers: UNC visits No. 6 James Madison tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+, then Northwestern hosts Syracuse at 1 p.m. ET on B1G+. Set up those second screens now.

• Looking for extra credit? This fascinating documentary about Northwestern’s quest to rule the sport will have you running through brick walls (just remember to wear a mouthguard).