BALTIMORE, Md. – The Notre Dame of Maryland women's lacrosse team successfully defended their Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) title, capturing their second straight championship in a 16-4 victory over the tournament's number two seed, the Wilson College Phoenix. The win caps off an undefeated season, finishing 7-0, and earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament which will commence on May 8^th.

Despite the score, the Phoenix gave the Gators a tough fight. Early on they did not give Notre Dame easy looks at the goal as it was late into the shot clock before they had chances to convert, and forced the Gators into an early shot clock violation. But the Gators made the most of the shots they did get, and went 5-for-8 on free position shot attempts while Senior goalkeeper, Marie Salas, stood on her head, allowing just one goal on 11 free positions attempts by the Phoenix. One of the key differences in the game's outcome.

This is Wilson College's first year playing at the varsity level, and will be a tough out in CSAC play for the foreseeable future behind passionate head coach, Emily Barber. Barber, and Gators head coach and 2021 CSAC Coach of the Year, Kari-Lei Berry, emphasize strong defensive efforts. No easy shots. Creating turnovers and picking up ground balls to get back on the scoring end. The turnover ratio was almost even with the Gators creating 12 on the day, and the Phoenix creating nine. Wilson led in ground balls 18-17, with Notre Dame owning the draw circle, 14-9. The intensity and physicality of both team's defenses, and the magnitude of a championship game led to five yellow cards split between the two squads. Not to mention 19 free position shots combined.

Sophomore defender, Jaime Ballard, was chosen as the title game's MVP with a game high four caused turnovers, and plenty of shots prevented through a stifling defensive effort. Ballard also took home CSAC Player of the Week honors after an opening weekend win over Keystone College, and was selected to the 2021 All-CSAC First Team.

Julie Hagis led the way in scoring for the Gators with four goals in the contest. Speaking of contests, Kelsey Campbell and Sara Morales both entered the title game with a conference best 27 goals on the season, and a sub-story would be who would finish the season on top. That honor would go to Morales, the 2021 CSAC Rookie of the Year. She found the back of the net three times to finish with 30 goals. Campbell finishes with 28 after notching the Gators fifth, and would be game winning goal.

Also contributing on the scoring front, Hannah Mullaney had a hat trick. Vanessa Dunn scored twice, as well as Averee Radonovich who came on strong in the postseason. Katie Hawkins picked up a goal and two assists.

Marie Salas continues to haunt opposing teams, coming up with 12 saves on 16 shots on goal (75%). Her save percentage stands at 65.4%. She entered today's play ranking fifth in the country in save percentage, and ranking second in the country in goals against average.

After the game, CSAC Assistant Commissioner, James Wagner, NDMU President, Dr. Marylou Yam, and NDMU Athletic Director, Renne Bostic, were on hand to hand out the day's awards to both schools.

Notre Dame of Maryland dominated every game they played in 2021. They are well decorated as 10 members of the team took home a total of 12 CSAC season awards, including three of the top four major individual awards. Senior, Michaela Seay with CSAC Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the afore mentioned Sara Morales and Kari-Lei Berry. They will face new challenges when they play someone from outside of the CSAC in the NCAA Tournament. New challenges that will be a welcoming measuring stick after outscoring their CSAC opponents 126-27, a +99 goal differential over seven games. They ranked seventh in the nation in scoring margin entering today's game.

The Gators will find out who they will look to keep their winning streak going against when the NCAA Tournament Selection Show takes place on May 3^rd, streaming on NCAA.com.
 
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