In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the St. Mary's College of Maryland women's lacrosse team clinched their third consecutive United East Conference championship on Saturday. Dominating their rivals, the top-seeded Seahawks secured a commanding 20-4 victory against the third-seeded Wilson College in St. Mary's City, Maryland.
The win not only extended their championship legacy but also guaranteed St. Mary's an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship Tournament. The bracket for the upcoming NCAA tournament will be unveiled on Monday, May 6, at 10:30 AM on ncaa.com, as announced by the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Selection Committee.
Junior attacker Hailey Betch from Severna Park, Maryland, played a pivotal role in the championship, earning the Tournament MVP honors. Betch's outstanding performance included six goals, six assists, six draw controls, and a caused turnover across two games, highlighted by a four-goal, five-assist showcase in the final.
Further contributing to the team's success, sophomore attacker Katelin Scala from Catonsville, Maryland, reached a significant milestone by logging her 100th career point during the game. Scala concluded the match with four goals and an assist, marking her best performance to date.
The game's momentum was firmly in St. Mary's favor from the start as they rapidly amassed a 17-0 lead by the 7:10 mark of the third quarter, prompting a running clock following a dominant 10-0 first quarter. Despite the significant lead, Wilson managed to avoid a shutout by scoring back-to-back goals in the third quarter, with Sage Lague contributing a goal and an assist.
The final quarter saw both teams adding two goals each. The Seahawks showcased their dominance throughout the game, maintaining a substantial lead in shots, 38-18, and nearly doubling Wilson in draw controls, 18-9.
Noteworthy performances included seniors Bella Dunigan and MC Mortimer, who each added four points for St. Mary's. Senior captain Rachael Freeman led the defense with four ground balls and two caused turnovers. Goalkeeping duties were split between first-years Allie Greeley and Annie Wise, who together made seven saves.
Wilson's efforts were led by Lague, who ended the game with two goals and an assist, while Jill Ahlgren contributed defensively with four ground balls and three caused turnovers.
As the Seahawks look ahead, their focus shifts to their next challenge in the NCAA Tournament, with their opponent and match date yet to be announced.
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