Recap: Several Lopsided Scores in D-II Men's Lacrosse Conference Title Games

A flurry of semifinals earlier in the week set the table for an array of exciting conference championship matchups this past weekend in Division II — setting up Sunday evening’s NCAA tournament bracket reveal.

Unfortunately, just because the table is set and the guests arrive, the meal might not be as sumptuous as advertised. (That’s a nice way of saying most of the conference final games ended with lopsided scores.)

Let’s start in the ECC, where Molloy used a nine-goal first quarter shutout to cruise to the conference title, 20-8, over Frostburg. The Lions have been one of the most underestimated teams in the entire division all year. They have wins over Pace, Mercy, Wilmington, Frostburg (twice) and Chestnut Hill.

Early in the week, Lewis and Maryville did battle for what is becoming one of the more competitive titles in all the land, the GLVC crown. Lewis had to get through a solid UIndy team, while Maryville went through Rockhurst to reach the title game. Lewis won the rematch, and the hardware, 16-10, bolstered by a seven-point day from Malikye Good. Lewis’ best win this season was a 15-8 victory over now SAC champion Newberry way back in February.

The NE10 was up next, and Pace entered the game fresh off an 8-7 upset victory over Saint Anselm in the semifinals. Unfortunately, that would be the Retrievers’ brightest spot of the weekend. Adelphi started the championship game shot out of a cannon, scoring 10 goals to Pace’s one tally in the first quarter. Adelphi was on cruise control the rest of the way. Christian Tomei only needed to make five saves as the tenacious Panther defense caused a whopping 17 turnovers. Carter Linkletter was everywhere, with three caused turnovers, six ground balls, one goal and one assist.

The GMAC final was competitive right up until Seton Hill outscored Davenport 9-4 in the second and third quarters. The Griffins were led by Carter Li, who led all scorers with four goals. Dexter Hannigan and Nate Herbster also chipped in with a hat trick each. The Griffins’ only losses are to the NE10 finalists Adelphi (10-3) and Pace (12-10). The team’s best win came against GLVC champ Lewis (11-7), and that was back in week one.

Sunday saw the SAC take the stage, as Wingate took on an upstart Newberry squad. The matchup went the way of Wingate in the regular season, but Newberry flipped the script when hardware was on the line. Ben McMullen was outstanding in net, making 16 stops to keep Newberry in front. The Newberry defense held Kyle Spence, one of Division II’s top weapons, to just two points. The Wolves claimed the SAC crown with a 15-11 win.

Elsewhere around the country, Wilmington (Del.) won the CACC to get to 12-4, as its excellent season rolls on. CUI took down Westminster in overtime to win the RMAC, and for the first time since Whittier in 2003, a California school will participate in the men’s NCAA lacrosse tournament. Barton upset Lees-McRae to win the Carolinas, while Flagler handled business and won the Peach Belt last week.