Sometimes I write a post solely for me. This is one of those. The University of Maryland – my favorite college lacrosse team – won the NCAA Division I Lacrosse Championship yesterday, besting Cornell University by a score of 9-7. Maryland finished their season with an amazing 18-0 record.
The 2022 Maryland Terrapins have solidified themselves as one of the best men’s lacrosse teams in collegiate history. They are the first undefeated DI men’s lacrosse champion since 2006. The Terps’ 9-7 win over Cornell puts them in elite company as only 13 teams in DI history have finished the season undefeated as the national champions.
Maryland dominated for three periods, outscoring the Big Red 9-3 and stifling Cornell on the defensive end thanks to 13 saves from goalie Logan McNaney in the first three periods.
Since I was working yesterday, I couldn’t watch the game, but after Maryland went up big, Cornell started coming back.
Cornell had other plans in the final frame though. The Ivy League program outscored the Terrapins 4-0 in the fourth to cut the lead to 9-7 thanks to goals from Michael Long, Hugh Kelleher, Spencer Wirtheim and CJ Kirst. Kirst led the Big Red with two goals.
It wasn’t enough to get over the hump for the Big Red, as a fatigued Maryland team was able to run out the clock and seal the championship for the Terrapins.
I watched nearly every Terps game this season, and when they weren’t on television, I watched the live feed online. I never thought they would go undefeated, but I had every confidence they would win the title. It was a little too close for me, but I’m so happy they won. Kyle and Erik were also ecstatic.
The really good news is the DI Lacrosse Championships are in Philly in 2023 and 2024. Kyle, Erik, and I expect to be there.