Winter Park, Fla. - Under forecasted sunny skies, the top-seeded Adelphi University women's lacrosse program will play in the program's 15th NCAA Division II Final Four on Thursday, taking on East Stroudsburg for the second time this season.
An early March meeting, the Warriors took a 11-10 overtime win against the Panthers, who began the 2024 campaign down South. With a 3-0 record (following victories against -then no. 2 Florida Southern and no. 3 Tampa -) Adelphi took to the home of East Stroudsburg on March ninth, in less than ideal conditions.
The Panthers were up one with under a minute to play, however an untimely turnover with less than 15 seconds allowed First Team All-American Emily Mitarotonda to knot the game at 10-all. Despite a win at the draw circle for
Kelly-Ann McGrath, the overtime frame did not go in favor of the Cats. Both goalies picked up a save as each team earned an offensive possession, but it was a final free position shot that sent Adelphi back to Garden City with its first loss of the season.
ESU is the only other team in the Final Four this week that has representation on the IWLCA First Team All-American list, as Mitarotonda and netminder Abby Simonetti picked up honors, joining McGrath and
Kerrin Heuser.
A Glance at the Numbers
- Adelphi has made 15 appearances in the NCAA Division II Semifinals, boasting a 10-4 record
- The Panthers have a Division-II leading nine national championships (with their counterparts in Adelphi men's lacrosse also leading with seven)
- East Stroudsburg is making its seventh consecutive berth to the NCAA tournament and will play for a spot in the title game for the fourth time in six years
- The Warriors have four regional titles since 2018 and with a win, would be in the program's second national title game in three seasons after reaching the final in 2022. (The Panthers were also in Missouri at the 2022 Final Four - they lost to UIndy in the semifinals, who eventually defeated ESU in the title game.
- ESU netminder Simonetti leads the nation in save percentage while Jillian McFadden is 32nd among Division II.
- EMily Mitarotonda leads the Warriors offensively with 124 points as Danielle Marino has 91 this season.
All-Time Series (2-2)
- March 9, 2024: ESU 11-10, at Whitenight Field
- March 3, 2019: Adelphi 14-10, at Adelphi
- April 3, 2003: Adelphi 13-6, at Adelphi
- April 4, 2002: ESU 11-8, at Whitenight Field
Game Information
Ticketing Info
- Tickets can be purchased online here - the stadium will not be accepting cash
- Adults: $7.00
- Children (12 and under): $5.00
Live updates will be shared on the team's social media platforms (@adelphiwlax on Twitter and Instagram).
