WLL Regular Season Opener: Charging Tops Guard 17-12

The Women's Lacrosse League played its first-ever regular season game on May 16, 2026, and it was a lopsided one. The New York Charging dominated the Boston Guard 17-12 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, opening the WLL's inaugural full season with a statement performance from the Charging's offense.

For Boulder County girls lacrosse players and families, the WLL's regular season represents exactly what has been missing — a professional pathway to follow after college.

The Game

The Charging's offensive depth was the story. New York spread the scoring load across their roster and built a lead the Guard could not overcome. Boston closed the gap at moments but could not string together enough stops to change the outcome. Final: New York Charging 17, Boston Guard 12.

The game was broadcast on ESPN+ and Disney+, part of the WLL and PLL's full ESPN broadcast deal that covers every game of the 2026 season.

The 2026 WLL Season

The league has four teams in its 2026 regular season: New York Charging, Boston Guard, Maryland Charm, and California Palms. Opening Weekend in Rhode Island featured all four teams competing at the same venue, the same format the league used in its 2025 Championship Series.

The WLL plays a sixes format — 10-on-10, tighter field, fast pace. It's different from the 12-on-12 game most players grow up with, but the skill level is as high as anywhere in the world.

Colorado's Connection

Colorado produces strong women's lacrosse players at every level. CHSAA girls lacrosse programs in Boulder County send players to college programs, and the best of those college players now have the WLL as a destination. Players who grew up here can aspire to something that simply did not exist a few years ago.

For more on how the WLL works and why it matters for women's lacrosse in Boulder County, see the Women's Lacrosse League guide on this site.