Score: No. 2 Keiser Seahawks 20, No. 1 Seed Madonna Crusaders 10
Records: Keiser (15-0 - No. 2 seed), Madonna (20-2 - No. 1 seed)
Location: Jack Allen Sports Complex - Decatur, Ala.
No. 2-ranked Keiser Seahawks completed a perfect season and captured the 2026 NAIA National Championship on Saturday evening, defeating the No. 1 Madonna Crusaders, 20-10, at the Jack Allen Complex in Decatur, Alabama.
The Seahawks closed the year at 15-0 and claimed the program's fourth straight NAIA National Championship in dominant fashion, using a fast start and explosive offensive attack to overwhelm the top-seeded Crusaders. Keiser scored seven goals in the opening quarter and never surrendered control, leading by as many as 10 goals in the second half.Keiser wasted little time setting the tone as Ryan Rundle opened the scoring just 1:34 into the contest before Kegan Hufford found the back of the net on a man-up opportunity to give the Seahawks an early 2-0 advantage. Hufford continued his stellar performance throughout the opening period, scoring four first-quarter goals as Keiser built a commanding 7-3 lead after 15 minutes.
Madonna attempted to rally in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 10-8 late in the half, but AJ Badik answered with a goal in the final minute to give Keiser momentum heading into halftime.The Seahawks completely took over after the break. Keiser outscored Madonna 4-1 in the third quarter and added six more goals in the fourth to pull away for the championship victory. Marek Albiero sparked the second-half surge with four goals over the final two periods, while the Seahawks defense held the Crusaders to just two goals over the final 30 minutes.
Badik and Hufford each finished with five goals to pace the Keiser offense, while Albiero added four goals. Rundle recorded a hat trick with one assist, and Kyle Davis contributed two goals and two assists. JP Prather dished out three assists in the title-game victory.Keiser dominated offensively with 50 shots and 33 shots on goal while converting 4-of-6 extra-man opportunities. The Seahawks also controlled the ground-ball battle, 47-31, and forced 24 Madonna turnovers.Chris Rayburn was instrumental at the faceoff, winning 15-of-28 draws, while Max Standage anchored the defensive effort with six ground balls and three caused turnovers. Ethan Acosta and Dylan Moxley each added two caused turnovers. Rayburn became the school's all-time leader in face-off victories during contest, finishing his Keiser career with 646.In goal, Lucas Green delivered a championship performance, making 10 saves while allowing just 10 goals against one of the nation's top offenses.
Badik was named the Tournament MVP as well as a member of the NAIA All-Tournament Team along with Davis, Hufford, Albiero, Shane Cassidy, and Rayburn.
- The Seahawks remain undefeated at 15–0
- This marks the fourth straight National title for the Seahawks
- AJ Badik and Kegan Hufford led the team with five goals each
- Chris Rayburn broke the school record for face-off wins, finishing his Keiser career with 646 victories
- Badik was named the Tournament MVP as well as a member of the NAIA All-Tournament Team
- Davis, Albiero, Cassidy, Hufford, and Rayburn were named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team as well
- The 20 goals scored by the Seahawks were the most Madonna had allowed all season
- The Crusaders' 10-goal output was their lowest of the entire year
- Lucas Green was a wall as Keiser outscored the Crusaders 10-2
- The Seahawks are now 15-5 in the NAIA postseason tournament
- With the win, Keiser has won 12 straight postseason games
- With the win, Keiser is now 53-22 against ranked opponents
- This marks the 14th time Keiser has beaten a top-three ranked team
No. 2 Keiser Seahawks
Points:
AJ Badik and
Kegan Hufford (5)
Goals:
AJ Badik and
Kegan Hufford (5)
Assists:
JP Prather (3)
Faceoffs:
Chris Rayburn (15-28)
Saves:
Lucas Green (10)
No. 1 Madonna Crusaders
Points: Ryan Davis and Ross Preston
Goals: Three tied (3)
Assists: Three tied (1)
Saves: Jonathan Bendfeldt (13)
For the most up-to-date information about the program, follow Keiser Men's Lacrosse on
X and
Instagram.
General athletic news can be found at
KUSeahawks on Facebook,
kuseahawks on Instagram, and
kuseahawks on X.
