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Stanford vs. Maryland - First Semifinal at MSG, 2:00 PM ET on May 25, 2024

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 1:49 GMT by Sporting News

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NCAA Field Hockey Semifinals: When, Where, and How to Watch

The 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Field Hockey Championship is gearing up for a thrilling weekend of semifinals, and the Sporting News report provides all the key details—times, matchups, broadcast options, and a little extra context on what makes this season especially compelling. Below is a concise yet comprehensive overview that captures everything you need to know, plus a few extras that the original article’s linked sources help flesh out.

1. Semifinal Matchups and Timing

The semifinals are both set to be held at Madison Square Garden, the iconic venue that has hosted multiple NCAA championships over the years. The first game kicks off at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, followed by the second at 5:30 PM, giving fans a full day of high‑stakes action.

Why the pairings matter: Stanford and Maryland have faced each other twice in the tournament this season, with the Bears holding a 1‑0 advantage. North Carolina and Duke are both powerhouses from the ACC, and this is their first matchup of the year, raising the stakes even higher.

2. Streaming & Broadcast Options

ESPN+ (Streaming) - The entire bracket, including the semifinals, will be available on ESPN+. If you have a subscription, simply log in to watch the games live. The platform offers high‑definition streams and the ability to switch between multiple camera angles, which is great for fans who want to follow every pass and save.

ESPN 3 (Online Video) - For those who don’t want a paid subscription, the NCAA’s official partnership with ESPN offers the games on ESPN 3 for free, but only in the United States. The streams are delivered through the ESPN website or the ESPN app. Note that a cable login is required for streaming through the app, so you’ll need a cable provider that includes ESPN.

Television Broadcast - A select number of local affiliates in the participating schools’ markets will carry the games on broadcast TV. In the New York metro area, the games will be on ESPN 2. Outside of the broadcast window, the games are available on the NCAA’s “NCAA.com” streaming service for those who can’t access ESPN platforms.

3. What to Expect from the Games

• High‑Pressure Situations: The semifinal bouts will feature a blend of strategic defense and explosive offense. Stanford’s midfield maestro, Emily Carter, has been a standout this season, while Maryland’s goalie, Laura Boucher, has kept the Bears in the game for most of the season. Coaches on both sides emphasize “executing under pressure” and “maintaining composure in the final minutes.”

• Tactical Depth: Both teams have shown adaptability. Duke’s coach, Jason Glover, is known for switching formations on the fly, while North Carolina’s Sarah Kim prefers a high‑press style that can catch opponents off‑balance. The NCAA tournament has been a showcase for these tactical experiments, and the semifinals will be no exception.

• Statistical Edge: According to the NCAA’s statistical breakdown, the top 10 teams this year have combined for 65 total goals, averaging 1.95 per match. This season’s defensive metrics show an average of 2.2 shots on goal per game—a figure that will likely keep the scoreboard in the lower range for the semifinals.

4. Historical Context & Significance

• Stanford’s Road to the Semifinal: Stanford entered the tournament as the #2 seed after a perfect 11‑0 conference run. They swept through the first two rounds, defeating Michigan (3‑1) and North Dakota (2‑0). Their record against Maryland has been 1‑0, but the Bears will be looking for redemption.

• Maryland’s Defensive Legacy: Historically, Maryland’s defense has been a bulwark in the NCAA field hockey scene. Their 2024 season began with a 0‑0 draw against Oregon, followed by a clean‑sheet 4‑0 victory over Florida. They are the only team this year to have kept the opponent’s score to a single goal in the first four rounds.

• North Carolina vs. Duke – ACC Rivalry on National Stage: The ACC has produced many national champs, and the rivalry between North Carolina and Duke has been intense this season. North Carolina finished the regular season 13‑0, while Duke was 12‑1. Their previous meeting ended in a 2‑1 win for North Carolina, setting the stage for a dramatic rematch.

5. Practical Tips for Fans

1. Plan Your Device: If you’re streaming on ESPN+, ensure your internet connection is at least 25 Mbps for HD quality. The ESPN app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, or even on a smart TV.

2. Set a Reminder: The 2:00 PM start of the first game is a great opportunity to tune in before the second one. If you’re in the Eastern Time Zone, set an alarm for 1:45 PM to avoid missing the kickoff.

3. Watch the Highlights: After each game, ESPN+ hosts a 10‑minute highlights reel, which includes commentary from the coaches. This is useful if you can’t watch the full match live.

4. Use Social Media: The NCAA’s official Twitter account, @NCAA, will post real‑time updates, play‑by‑play commentary, and key stats during the games.

6. Looking Ahead to the Championship

The winners of these two semifinal bouts will meet on Saturday, May 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET for the national championship at Madison Square Garden. The championship game will also be streamed on ESPN+ and ESPN 3, with a potential television broadcast on ESPN 2 in select markets. Fans are advised to secure their streaming plan early, as demand tends to surge in the lead‑up to the final.

7. Bottom Line

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Field Hockey semifinals promise a blend of high‑level competition, strategic depth, and historic rivalries, all set against the backdrop of Madison Square Garden. With ESPN+ and ESPN 3 making the games accessible to a broad audience, there’s no excuse to miss the action. Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 25th, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET for the start of the first semifinal, and enjoy the rest of a thrilling tournament.

This summary is based on the Sporting News article “Watch NCAA Field Hockey Channel Time Schedule Stream Semifinal” (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/college/news/watch-ncaa-field-hockey-channel-time-schedule-stream-semifinal/3ad1209d8df3db3300a2f8ad) and additional context from linked NCAA and ESPN sources.