PITTSBURGH – Michigan State has won the last six Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) Division I championships and they will enter the 2018 conference tournament as the No. 1 seed.

Regardless of what happens in Thursday’s contest against CCLA rival Central Michigan, the Spartans (11-1, 4-0 CCLA) win any potential tie-breaking scenario even with a loss to the Chippewas.

2018 CCLA TOURNAMENT BRACKET

Michigan State will face fourth-seeded Pittsburgh (5-9, 2-3) in the semifinals of the tournament, which will be held at Chelsea (Mich.) Stadium on April 21-22. The Spartans downed the Panthers, 19-6, on Feb. 18.

In the other semifinal, second-seeded Minnesota (7-6, 4-1) will match up with third-seeded Davenport (11-2, 3-2). It took overtime to settle the regular season affair between these two on March 31 with the Gophers prevailing, 12-11.

“Michigan State is obviously the favorite, but they know they’ll have to bring their best effort to win a seventh straight conference title,” said CCLA director Sean Buzzard. “I’m looking forward to watching these four teams compete for a trip to nationals, because the semifinals always have surprises for us.”

The winner of the CCLA tournament will earn an automatic qualifying bid to the 2018 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, which will be held in Salt Lake City from May 7-12.

Tickets for the 2018 CCLA Tournament will be $10 for adults and $5 for youths and students.

2018 CCLA Division I Tournament

Semifinals – Chelsea, Mich. – April 21
No. 4 Pittsburgh vs. No. 1 Michigan State, 1 p.m.
No. 3 Davenport vs. No. 2 Minnesota, 4 p.m.

Finals – Chelsea, Mich. – April 22
Semifinal winners, 12 p.m.