This was the seventh NCAA championship for Hopkins since tournament play began in 1971–and third in four years–and was also their twelfth appearance out of sixteen title matches.

Twelve NCAA Division I college men's lacrosse teams met after having played their way through a regular season, and for some, a conference tournament.

Craig Bubier scored with 1:51 left in the game gave Johns Hopkins the final with the goal coming off a fast break after Quint Kessenich intercepted a long clear by the Cornell goalie.

[1] Hopkins was sparked on defense by goalkeeper Kessenich and Dave Pietramala, while National Hall of Fame member attackman Tim Goldstein tallied two goals and added six assists for Cornell.

Cornell had defeated a Syracuse team in the semifinals, 18–15, in a game which featured Paul and Gary Gait.