The 2023 men’s lacrosse championship is set to showcase a thrilling rematch between top-ranked Cornell and second-seeded Maryland at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The title match is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Cornell, boasting a 17-1 record, advanced to the final with an 11-9 victory over fifth-seeded Penn State, successfully avenging their only regular-season loss. The Nittany Lions, who finished the season at 12-5, fell short in their third attempt to reach the championship after a hard-fought semifinal. The game started slowly, with Cornell scoring the first goal in the final minute of the first quarter and Penn State leading 5-4 at halftime. However, Cornell roared back in the third quarter with a strong 6-1 run, ultimately maintaining their lead against a resilient Penn State that had previously mounted significant comebacks.
Remarkably, Cornell’s leading scorer CJ Kirst, a Tewaaraton Award finalist, was held scoreless for the first time in his college career. However, his teammates stepped up, with Michael Long leading the way with five points and Hugh Kelleher contributing with three goals and an assist.
In the other semifinal, Maryland secured their place in the final with a commanding 14-8 win over sixth-seeded Syracuse. The Terrapins quickly took control, establishing an 8-2 lead in the first half and demonstrating strong defensive prowess throughout the match. Eric Spanos led Maryland offensively with four goals and an assist, while goalie Logan McNaney showcased his skills with 14 saves, effectively stifling Syracuse’s attack.
The upcoming championship game will be a rematch of last year’s final, where Maryland emerged victorious, clinching their fourth title in NCAA history and second under head coach John Tillman. Meanwhile, Cornell aims to capture their fourth NCAA title, seeking their first since 1977, led by coach Connor Buczek, a Cornell alum who has impressively guided the program to two championship appearances in just four seasons.
Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for an exciting championship clash that promises to deliver high-level competition and thrilling moments. Fans can look forward to a fierce battle as Cornell seeks redemption and Maryland aims to defend their title.