May 14, 2006

Box Score|Photo Gallery| Quotes

Lisle, Ill. - Adelphi University made it two-for-two in it's trips to the NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championship, topping West Chester University -16-8 - to capture the 2006 crown. The Panthers (16-1) also won the title in 2004, when they earned their first championship appearance, also defeating the WCU that year.

Adelphi took control of the game from the opening draw, building a 3-0 lead over the Golden Rams (18-3). The Panthers upped that advantage to 11-3 at halftime and held a nine goal lead, 16-7, in the waning moments of the contest.

AU not only scored often, but in bunches. The Panthers reeled off unanswered scoring sprees of three goals twice and a six goal spurt to close out the first half and open the second.

Lauren Lopez led the Panthers' offensive thrust, tallying five goals and dishing off two assists. Twin sister Diana Lopez smashed in three goals of her own.

Dawn Anselmin furthered the AU cause by contributing four goals and two assists, while Tara Grodotzke had two goals and three "helps".

Lauren Lopez also led her team with four ground balls. Allyson Murphy and Meghan Blume each picked up four ground balls, as well.

Maureen Clifton paced West Chester with four ground balls.

Versus Adelphi, West Chester's Katelyn Martin added three more goals to the NCAA record for career points she broke in yesterday's semifinal. Martin ended her career with 365 points.

"All season long we mostly relied on our defense," said Lauren Lopez. "Today we just wanted the ball to be on the offensive side for the majority of the time. We were very choosey with our shots and that's what got us five goals right away. I think that we actually worked the ball around better today than we ever had."

All Tournament Team

Shannon Fabian, C.W. Post
Mallory Poole, C.W. Post
Summer Ferraro, Limestone
Lauryn Wise, Limestone
Katelyn Martin, West Chester
Maureen Clifton, West Chester
Diana Lopez, Adelphi
Lauren Lopez, Adelphi
Allyson Murphy, Adelphi
Mary Cannata, Adelphi
Dawn Anselmin, Adelphi
Meghan Blume, Adelphi

Most Outstanding Player: Meghan Blume (Adelphi)

Courtesy Benedictine