It’s really not a big surprise. The 2018 US Lacrosse WCLA Division II National Championship will be decided between Denver and Loyola.
They have been the top two teams throughout the season, as well as the top two teams at this week’s championship tournament in Round Rock, Texas. With decisive wins in Friday’s semifinal games, the inevitable collision course that had been building all season has now arrived.
It comes down to one game on Saturday, at high noon, with the winner taking home the WCLA championship trophy. By the way, it’s also a rematch of last year’s championship game, which Denver won 9-6.
“It feels great to be back and never gets old,” said Denver coach Mindy Stone. “Every year is a different year.”
No. 1 seed Denver is returning to the championship game for the third straight year after dispatching No. 9 seed Vermont, 12-6, in Friday’s first semifinal. A suffocating Pioneers defense led the way back to the title game.
Tied at 2-2 midway through the first half, Denver used an 8-1 run over a span of 25 minutes to seize control. Junior Caroline Painter serves as the anchor of the backline unit that also features three freshmen in Anna DiSaverio, Halle Mahoney, and Amanda Parry.
“It all started with the defense today,” said Stone, a former DU club player who is now in her sixth year as the team’s coach. “That group gets each other pumped up. They were super strong.”
On the offensive end, All-Americans Kaitlin Ball, Sophie Smith and freshman Valerie Strobel each scored three goals to lead the way. Denver, 14-4 overall, carries a seven-game winning streak into Saturday’s game.
Lila Satterfield and Kate Reid led Vermont with two goals apiece.
The story was much the same in the second semifinal game as No. 2 seed Loyola downed No. 6 Providence, 14-4. The Greyhounds broke the game open with a seven-goal run to close the first half, holding a 9-3 lead at the break. Junior Michaela Smith tallied two of her three first half goals during the run.
“I think we got some nerves out at the beginning, and once we settled down, we kept the ball moving,” Smith said.
With the first goal of the second half, Providence drew within six, but Loyola answered with five of the game’s next six to close out the win. Timely saves by Loyola’s goalie Kendra Farrell, who made eight second half saves and 11 in total, also helped to dash any hopes of a Friars’ comeback.
Loyola’s efficient offense featured eight different scorers. Madison Craft finished with a team-high six points on three goals and three assists, while Kelly O’Krepkie added two goals and three assists.
“We really like to spread it out, move the ball around, and make good cuts,” Smith said. Loyola extended its winning streak to 10 games with the victory.
Victoria Esposito led Providence with two goals, while goalie Molly McCormack registered 16 saves in a losing effort.
Friday’s Division II Consolation Bracket Scores
SMU 10, Grand Valley State 9
New Hampshire 12, St. Thomas 9
Utah State 16, Portland State 4
St. Ben 16, Oakland 6