HADLEY, Mass. - Following the completion of the 2021 NESCAC women's lacrosse regular season, Tufts has earned the No. 1 seed in the East Division, while Wesleyan is the top seed in the West Division.

The NESCAC Women's Lacrosse Championship features a different format in 2021 due to the abbreviated schedule. The top seeds from each division will square off in a championship game with the top-seeded East team serving as the host. Tufts will host Wesleyan at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1 in the NESCAC Women's Lacrosse Championship Game.

No spectators are allowed at the game, which will be webcast via Northeast Sports Network (NSN) and can be seen on computers, mobile devices, and via OTT apps – Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, AppleTV, and Roku – by searching for 'NESCAC Network'.

The Jumbos are 5-0 overall and currently rank No. 3 in the IWLCA Division III Coaches Poll. They went 4-0 in the NESCAC East Division and secured the top seed with an 18-2 win over Bates on Saturday.

Tufts leads the NESCAC in goals per game (16.80) and goals-against average (5.4). Catherine Lawliss leads the offense as she ranks first in the conference in points (5.6/game) and second in goals (3.5/game). On defense, goalie Molly Laliberty leads the league in goals-against average (5.78) and save percentage (.662), and is tied for first in saves per game (10.2)

In the West Division, Wesleyan ranks No. 11 in the IWLCA poll with a 3-2 overall record. Following a 12-9 victory over Trinity on Friday, the Cardinals grabbed the No. 1 seed in the West and finished the regular season with a 3-1 conference mark.

Wesleyan ranks fourth in the NESCAC in goals, averaging 11.4 per game, and is led by the league's top goalscorer in Johanna Copeland. The senior is averaging 4.2 goals per game while first-year Laura Baine ranks 10th with 2.0 goals per game. The Cardinals also boast the league leaders in caused turnovers and draw controls. Indigo Pellegrini de Paur ranks first in the NESCAC with 2.8 caused turnovers and Rylee White is leading the conference with 6.6 draw controls per game.

"After such a difficult year, and so much uncertainty leading into the season, we are so proud of this group for all that we've accomplished already this season and are so grateful for another opportunity to compete," said Wesleyan head coach Kim Williams. "The team has played together with so much heart and resilience. They truly recognize that each moment on the field is a gift and we don't take any moment to play together for granted.

"We are so proud of how our seniors have led the way for this team, they have been an incredible inspiration for their teammates and coaches all season. This has been a time that we'll always remember, and this group has truly earned the opportunity to compete for the Championship."

One team will win its first NESCAC title, as both the Jumbos and Cardinals seek their first conference crown. This is also Wesleyan's first appearance in the championship game.

The NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship selection show is scheduled for Monday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. on NCAA.com.